Medtech design engineers these days are challenged to make medical and dental devices that are smaller and portable yet do much more than ever before—process data, connect to the cloud, and utilize AI, to name just a few new demands.

How do medtech engineers keep up with all these new functions? And what skills do they need to rise to the challenge? Design News asked Brad Carlson, PhD, who recently joined Intelligent Product Solutions, a Forward Industries company, as vice president of technology and business development. Prior to joining IPS, Dr. Carlson held numerous medtech technology leadership roles, including VP of research and development, neuromodulation at LivaNova; VP/general manager of Dexis Imaging at Danaher Corp.; and as VP of innovation strategy for Envista Holdings, a dental equipment company spin-off of Danaher. 

Carlson holds a PhD and MS degree in computer engineering from Syracuse University. He was also an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Stony Brook University where he led a microelectronics research program in CMOS mixed signal custom integrated circuit design.

What are some challenges design engineers are facing today in medical device and dental equipment industries?

Carlson: Miniaturization, mobility, low power designs for battery operated devices, connectivity for big data and AI, and usability as devices and procedures get more complicated.

Related:Successful Product Design: What You Need to Know

What skills do medtech design engineers need today to succeed?

Carlson: System-level thinking, subsystem integration, and cross-disciplinary understanding. Systems are becoming more integrated and complex, so broader understanding of adjacent disciplines is key.

How has today’s world of digital design, engineering, and collaboration benefited design engineering teams? Are there any pitfalls to be aware of?

Carlson: Today teams need to communicate well and more frequently. Collaboration enables teams to excel at product development, and transparency is also key. All risks need to be clear and addressed as early as possible in the development cycle. 

How do engineering managers foster teamwork and creativity in a digital world? 

Carlson: By empowering their teams to execute and rewarding performance. Teams can and will make mistakes, but they have to learn and iterate quickly to find great solutions for products.

What are some tech advances that medtech design engineers should make use of? AI, IoT, 3D printing, advanced materials, bioelectronics, miniaturization, or anything else?

Related:How to Build a Better Surgical Hand Tool

Carlson: All of the above. Medtech engineers need to stay at the forefront of all advanced technologies to deploy them in the most beneficial way. The most advanced and risky technology is not always the best for medtech devices. Engineers need to know what is mature and proven and select the best approach for end users and patients.

How important is working with external partners in design and engineering? Any advice on how to develop strong collaborations?

Carlson: Most development teams need external partners like IPS to fill gaps in expertise and experience or to accelerate the development. For example, we can bring in our expert on antenna design to a project, as most companies would not have that sort of expertise in-house. The deep bench of talent at IPS can be deployed quickly for a client, helping them to ramp up their product design efforts, with our experts and engineers. And we can help our clients identify problems they didn’t even know they had because of our deep expertise in product design. By identifying problems early, that can have a big impact on the speed and success of a project.

Trust is key to successful collaboration, and trust is built with transparency, respect, and commitment and grows over time.  Partners should always assume good intent and clear misunderstandings quickly.

Related:Technology and Design Trends to Support an Aging Population

How much education (e.g., advanced degrees) or ongoing education should medtech design engineers seek? Any new degree programs that they should consider? AI, data, robotics, etc.?

Carlson: Data engineering and AI are good degrees because they are broadly applicable across medical devices and beyond. Robotics is very interesting, but more specific in application. Biomedical engineering degrees are always good for medtech engineers. 

Any other advice for medtech design engineers?

Carlson: Surround yourself with a good team that collaborates well and prioritizes the outcome rather than personal gain. You will learn much more and do it quicker from your colleagues than you can in school.

Carlson will be speaking in the November 14 webinar, Best Practices in Medical Device Engineering, along with Jan Niewiadomski, Chief Technology Officer, Intelligent Product Solutions (IPS), a Forward Industries company. They will discuss how medical device design engineers can utilize the latest tools and technologies (such as digital technology, artificial intelligence, advanced sensors and materials, robotics, design for manufacturing and human factors engineering principles, and more) to develop life-saving products and be available to answer your questions!