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I don't see how else Titan should play it?
I don't disagree with your statement "that they need a partner."
And I strongly agree that they need to stay silent.
Business strategy is not just a cute catch phrase.
SPORT stands on its own merits. Verb or no Verb - our IP is THE ONLY barrier that protects us from the competition. I want to attract more than just Verb, as a potential partner. We'll get to partner with Verb, sooner or later, just based on their business model - to integrate as the standard surgical "industry platform."
The definitive litmus test will be the disposition of the IP research exercise.
Seriously - who would announce to the world how far along they are on the path to development of the "next most technologically advanced" surgical robot? Do you even announce when it's been submitted for FDA certification? I would not. It only creates uncontrollable anticipation and uncontrollable expectations. I would when it's certified. Until then - I would create a vehicle to communicate with the masses, and let them come to their own conclusions based on live demo's at professional conferences. Yes - videos would be very nice too.
We're investors. Trust your ability to know when you see dots, and where the possible connections lead. The rest are gamblers or just here (not here, here - the other site (here)) with alternate agendas.
JMO
Regards,
BK
It's all about the tax revenue.
Which is not to say, they also want to get the process, and protections/regulations right too.
Exciting times ahead.
JMO
Regards,
BK
You go GIRL!
Appreciate your contributions to this board.
Regards,
BK
I can't disagree with you.
It would be "nice."
But "nice" doesn't get Titan in a position to beat ISRG and to FDA/CE.
The ONLY issue that I want to see addressed is the plan to get from here to FDA. Only a straight line between 2 points. And again, I don't care if we know the details. Just that there's a plan. Every time this company makes a move, another detail reveals itself.
Regards,
BK
What's different to dictate different direction?
This is not specifically directed at you Rocko, but you asked today.
So why can't we see, and therefore acknowledge, what is so important about what's happened since Mc has been hired????
Vision.
For one - there's a VP of Engineering. If you don't consider that a different way of managing, then NOTHING will change your perspective.
The US market is now the first target market. Paige is gone. That's decisive. Don't know why that was decided, except the US is the first target market. Harumph! Unless it's to further streamline the decision to make the US the first marketplace. Hmmm. If the US adopts SPORT successfully, does Titan really need to be spending capital and actively marketing in the EU? Probably not. Also, it's much less expensive to support the first units in the US, than abroad. Less expense.
New SAB member - arguably THE most influential and most experienced daVinci surgeon in the country. That's different. If the US is going to be the first market, then Dr. Patel is a BIG deal. How can anyone not see how big his addition is to the SAB????? This guy is ISRG's poster child for Urological robotic surgery. I heard the Hallelujah Chorus singing in the background.
Many appear to be missing the forest for the trees. (I'll give all y'all the benefit of the doubt)
Mc doesn't appear to just throw a dart at the target and move to where it lands. There's a calculated method to how he earned his reputation. IMO - he does not manage in a random manner. "A Russian doesn't take a dump, without a plan." And this is much more important than that.
And don't EVEN start talking about running out of patience.
It's been 8 weeks and I've seen a tidal wave of change.
"Boy, I got vision, and the rest of the world wears bifocals."
Open question to the board. How much faster do you (collectively) think he can move? We don't know what he's done. But we keep seeing small, incremental steps, to support what little we do know. And..... no, I don't think we should know the strategy - yet, because he's working on a plan that will affect direct competition, and create a new product in a market that has 1 exclusive manufacturer.
Incessant belly-aching about "where's the beef?" won't get us further down the road any faster.
I feel better already. Anyone else?
IMO
Regards,
BK
Thank you for the field info.
Regards,
BK
Former Titan Exec's were the problem.
Time is money for Titan and shareholders. It's just time to get the device to a point of leverage within the digital surgical device industry. Verb either doesn't care because it's a "platform" or they will want SPORT because Titan's IP is too similar to how the SRI based device functions/operates. It only takes one company to create demand and force other companies (that either have a 5 year plan or become enamored) to participate in the digital surgical marketplace. It's a very sexy product in a growth market. That message alone sells a BoD.
IMO. Verb CEO may have completely schooled Hargrove. And the BoD didn't know any better - so I think Verb had/has an advantage or agreement that we can't see, or know about. Could be another reason Mc/Titan chose the IP firm/lawyer. Mc goes to the purveyor of all things sacred to engineering - so both companies can view IP and keep features and functionality IP completely transparent. That is the only concrete way to guarantee transparency. Thereby avoiding the nuclear option - stopping development of Verbs/RSI device. Remember - everyone's seen SPORT. If there were issues, we'd know about them by now. Crickets about the licensed IP for snake arms. The rest is various forms of control and convenience features wrapped around those arms and camera. And the camera itself is just miniaturization and COTS high-tech engineering.
The other side of that conversation would be that Mc sees their are too many similarities - and goes and gets the exact firm/lawyer. And...... the lawyer does the rest, because he's educated about Verb/RSI. Then he gets handed Titan's IP. That very well could be a big mess that got dropped in his lap. So he becomes the vehicle from which a "more conducive" working agreement is crafted.
If I've learned anything about product development and the strange twists and turns of business competition - reality is stranger than fiction.
JMO
Regards,
BK
True. To your point -
Would you say that a stationary multi-articulating arm attached to a rolling cart, with locking wheels, controlled by a joystick would be a prototype? My view - This is a game of words, being played by the CEO of Verb. It's as much about what's being said, as what's being left out of the complete picture.
IMO
Regards,
BK
I'm in agreement.
As I mentioned in one of my most recent posts - the IP research project, and the IP attorney for both parties MAY cause said attorney to to inform the "other" party that they have in fact crossed the line, and thereby done the M/A work for Mc/Titan. Too easy. Takes vision, and I think Mc saw it during the interview process, and it was part of his 100 day plan to the BoD.
IP is very sticky and prickly. It would cause the Verb design to stop immediately. And to Fly's point, why engage the exact same firm and lawyer? Strategy on the corporate battlefield. That was calculated, a.k.a. not random.
Working through the IP attorney would also have the leverage to issue the requisite NDA's to all involved. And I think the Verb CEO is choosing his words VERY carefully.
Just what I think based on seeing the dots and my logic as it applies to the next generation of digital surgical robotics. SPORT IS the sweet spot.
JMO
Regards,
BK
I'd think they would PR, too.
Also, what's the consensus on short covering when trading resumes?
Thank you to all that contribute.
Regards,
BK
Seriously?
I don't think you've ever worked with any federal government before.
3 weeks is not a long time.
I do think that there's been a very bad job of managing expectations - but that's the extent of it.
IMO
Regards,
BK
Am I being too simplistic?
SPORT exists. And my point of reference is that it's a much more sophisticated version of an Erector Set. But how much more? The real value it brings is the smaller footprint, from which it can be moved and anchored in smaller surgical areas..... AND those snake arms that permit reaching around fixed objects. The surgeons console isn't more sophisticated mechanically than a drone pilot console, but using both hands at the same time. Anything more to this is beyond 1.x IMO.
The surgeon can already see the full surgical theater. I can see (pun intended) as a future feature - putting the camera on a 3rd snake arm to see around those fixed objects - otherwise the usefulness of those flexible arms are limited by the surgeons ability to see what they're grasping/cutting, etc. But for now - how about just putting a mirror and an LED, on a fixed rod (maybe with blinders, or a hood over the mirror) to see around those objects????? And the ability to squirt water on the mirror from the camera, if the mirror gets smudged? For that matter - attach a hose to the rod/mirror and release sterile solution from a reservoir outside the body. This can't be difficult. There's already an external reservoir for washing the camera. Things like that.
JMO
Regards,
BK
These shares are going somewhere.
+1M shares have been trading almost daily for the past 1.5 weeks.
That's significantly higher than before. I think it's very good for the stock.
There's A LOT of buying, or we would be A LOT lower.
IMO.
Regards,
BK
Shirley - you're kidding?
I guess some may think these are small, but I didn't.
There's no comparison as to the experience of the President and CEO.
We've witnessed life and engagement from the BoD.
There's a substantial change in the company business model - as proof of an entirely new position within Titan - the VP of Engineering. This position is 100% engaged, drives and measures progress with the partners that previously had little to no oversight.
There's an IP review to determine design and product defense/offense. Without this as a clearly delineated asset, there's little bases from which Titan would have leverage in an conversation for funding or M/A. This is the 800 lb. gorilla in the room. No?
And..... it's only been 7 weeks. I'm not going to try and change anyone's personal perception as to the actions within this company, but I think they're moving in a straight(er) line, as fast as they can. My single most point of curiosity, at this time, is the design freeze, and the decisions regarding the level of integration for the surgical console. The integration part can have all of the circuit boards, and electro-mechanical sub-assemblies complete, but the functionality/control/access to information is all software based. As I've stated in the past (repeatedly) - get to design freeze with the most minimal level of software integration necessary and then do firmware upgrades after CE/FDA.
Yes - SPORT exists and does all of the basic surgical tasks from which the certification will be based. I don't recall seeing an example of stapling yet. Anyone think something else mechanical hasn't been shown?
IMO
Regards,
BK
Perhaps the reason you stayed.
Why would anyone sell that's long, knowing that there's such a stacked up short position on the CSE. True those that thought the financials would be submitted and accepted, then releasing the trading sometime this past week sold off. Perhaps some know of the timing and audit details so they know when the CSE will release the hold.
I just don't think anyone knows for sure and risks the roman candle affect when the shorts have to cover.
Am I wrong?
IMO
Regards,
BK
EXACTLY correct.
This is a big picture scenario.
The states now have a taste and solid blueprint for a new tax stream. They won't ever let this go.
This is a federal head fake. However the transfer of payments through the banking system will still be a big hurdle. Unless the US MJ industry starts using Bitcoin. As long as this is a cash only business then the security/cash pick up companies (Brinks, Loomis, Rapidarmor) will grow too. It will have a small trickle effect. So in a small way it's pro jobs. And if the states have the authority to make recreational MJ legal - then the flood dam is open, to never be closed again. Hope it doesn't go down the B/C route.
The federal gov./Trump just trying to address big pharma. Big pharma wants more time to develop a MJ business model. Which means more cash than what's on hand, at the moment. This is just a federal "I tried to help you, but the states can do what they please."
This only helps and focuses investment funding on Canada.
Hello SFP - nice to see you back after all these years.
IMO
Regards,
BK
What would the competition most like to hear?
The best they could hope for would be a 2-3 year delay. Don't know if it's a head fake.
It's not uncommon for a company to openly discuss information and it turns out to be "less than accurate." Especially when it comes to development timelines.
SPORT timelines are affected by the path that's been created by previously established IP. Both from the competition and the existing SPORT design, from which they're creating barriers to entry and moats for the competition.
I'm very curious to hear - if ever, what the IP review reveals.
JMO
Regards,
BK
Amen to that thought.
Regards,
BK
I know Rocko will help you carry that banner.
Regards,
BK
Who's to say the shorts aren't paying the MM's?
If the "shorts" are in the position - as is speculated at this time, then why wouldn't they collaborate with the MM's to suppress the pps to minimize the damage once trading resumes? The higher the pps at the time trading resumes on the CSE - the more pain and expense to cover. The math may dictate that paying MM's is cheaper than covering a position that is unknown until trading resumes.
JMO
If I had any spare change, I'd be throwing it at this wall now.
Regards,
BK
A guess?
This company has about 4 different moving parts that can play a role in going higher.
Breaking ground for the new lab.
Sales agreement and BMOA for distribution in China.
Canada MJ business situation.
And..
If there are still 1M shares short on the CSE, then those who shorted would be buying on the OTC to get in on the pps increase, due to the volume moving to the OTC, prior to resuming on the CSE. And IF there are 1M shares short - doesn't that mean they will need to cover because of the share price run up? Someone else jump in - but that seems plausible.
Any one of these, or the combination thereof may create more volume, which typically drives the pps higher.
Or just pure speculation.
JMO
Regards,
BK
It only takes a few shareholders to go +$1
If there are only a few that want to take a million share position, it would only take a few of those to propel x4 existing pps. That would be about a $200K initial investment to get to $1M in value. That's good leverage.
IMO
Regards,
BK
$.18 to a $1 this year.
Won't take much to move this as the volume is there, so if the MM's let this move, then the day traders will not have much affect.
Why would anyone with knowledge of the industry sell before this really makes a move?
Been in this for a long time. Happy for all here.
JMO
Regards,
BK
Wouldn't it be interesting....
Is it possible that the new ISRG system has crossed over into Titan IP? And.....then Titan goes to ISRG for final development funding in exchange for licensing?
Or does ISRG believe that the new single site system will cannibalize DaVinci so they don't have to launch it until another single port surgical device company is closer to launch?
Reality is stranger than fiction.
Just thinking that would be one for the books.
Regards,
BK
I really want to know what's "Fully Integrated."
Hopefully I'll hear that soon from the new VP.
Regards,
BK
And the author works at Knobbe.
Nice find, both of you.
Regards,
BK
I think your correct about the console.
I'm still not convinced that the entire list of functional elements in the existing console design are necessary for V1.0. Which is why I'm asking P. Genova questions soon. If a fully integrated console is in the blueprints and can be sequentially integrated, while still creating a fully functional SPORT for V1.0 - and V1.0 can be submitted for FDA/CE, then why not? The "more integrated" design may be in 1.2, or 1.3, or 1.4, and it's probably all software related. Which means (IMO) that if there's a partner or buyer - then SPORT can be marketed at it's highest valuable (pre-FDA/CE) regardless of the existing build status. I think that's why McNally is having the IP researched to see how the blueprints measure up with what's in the known galaxy of IP.
I also think that they're close, if not done with the Patient Cart too. That does not mean that I think they're done with any of the sub-assembly design for the tools/exchange functionality/or any other functionality that may be designed within the Insertion Tube module.
Regards,
BK
P Genova conversation update
Hello to all. I think we should keep this first exchange of questions to 6 -8, because the answers will undoubtably lead to follow ups and net new too. So there's room for a few more, and if there are many more - then we can debate which go in the first set. My thoughts about the first set of questions will go out to him before this Sunday evening. I will send them in writing as I don't expect that he'll be taking notes during our conversations, but I will. If his answers to my inquiry about "alternate applications about the IP" includes DoD, then I will ask about federal grants and DARPA. I want this exchange to be as informative for him, as it will be for us. I think/hope he'll be intrigued.
Thanks for submitting.
Regards,
BK
I have exchanged messages too.
He's traveling the rest of this week.
Anyone have questions that they want me to ask?
I'm going for "what else can this IP do and how do we get a shorter timeline to FDA/CE?"
I wanted to get his opinion about the IP and possible alternate applications.
I'll follow up with "What is Titan's definition of a fully integrated console? And is it necessary for V1.0/FDA/CE?
I'm not going to ask about financing.
Regards,
BK
Just shipping that product could be the booster.
Generating revenue and north American development would move this pps a long way fast.
I do remember the days of Magic Mike and his vapor messages. We'll get back to those levels.
IMO
Regards,
BK
What leads you to a "gunpoint" conclusion?
I can see a possibility for your thesis, as Longtai could understand the long-term affects of a distribution agreement in their area of the world and as a direct competitor of ISRG. Longtai surely wouldn't get this type of an agreement from J&J. If they are objective and open to any medical business opportunity - this one is a +$B target within 5 years. And the functional prototype exists.
But... my question is: "Does their $15M buy them that kind of leverage?" I think hiring Mr. McNally was an absolute from the BoD, and there are other north American investors that have shown interest, for their own future business success. There is an element of fear because of the excessive amount of Chinese capital seeking new opportunities, like acquiring IP. Which is why they steal it most of the time.
This is just speculation on my part.
Regards,
BK
Sorry, my bad. Tomato - tomauto?
Upon further review - you're probably correct.
The write up contains a lot of what a VP Engineering would/should - (I hope) have (IMO).
My apologies if my email created any unintended instability (pun intended) for any board members.
Regards,
BK
Making the distance between 2 points shorter.
Was this on anyone's radar? Another great move.
Interesting that he's hired a VP for R&D. I'm assuming that the main task based on the announcement verbiage would be to get us to design freeze, based on what the IP research reveals/establishes and possibly eliminating some of the development that directly effects the existing timelines. I still think - completely uneducated guessing - that there are elements to the existing design that do not need to be included in 1.0.
Can't wait to see who the VP of Engineering will be.
JMO
Regards,
BK
Good point. McNally thinks so too.
McNally must feel the same way if he's hired an independent IP research company, and is pursuing a VP of Engineering. Both address the in-house IP/engineering repository, and their ability to more objectively evaluate/estimate the value. Which would be two elements in the conversation regarding their basis from which they would know the value of the technology and how to mount a defense if necessary.
Your points, and his actions lead me to another positive point for his appointment.
Regards,
BK
A lot of shares turning over today.
Anyone have any ideas about the impetus(es) for the activity?
Thanks.
Regards,
BK
If patients are dying, and this procedure/drug provides hope where there is none, why would they sue? Wouldn't research companies ask for a Hold Harmless agreement? Just asking. Clearly I'm out of my area.
Thanks.
Regards,
BK
Thank you for the JPM info.
Can you provide any further info. as to investor or partner attendance?
You seem to have interesting insight and sources.
Thank you for your contributions.
Regards,
BK
BIGKAHUNA57@GMAIL.COM
If you're not happy then why are you here?
There are so many other investments, take your pick.
He's being polite providing that document, because there are those the read this board and don't post and as I recall - over the past several weeks a few new posters have asked about the company.
Regards,
BK
I agree.
Further, to your point - there would have been no reason to include so many important attributes of McNally's history if plan "A" is a fire sale. Hiring him, based on his history leads me to conclude that it's develop SPORT with the shortest time frame and get the product certified. And if it's task based, then why not "X" number of separate modes, because there are only 2 arms and different end effectors have to be swapped out. Get this into testing for certification. Do you have to have a fully integrated dashboard to drive a car? NO. I hope they're considering a less integrated version for 1.0. Then see where the chips fall.
I am speaking without any medical credentials so someone answer this question please? How sophisticated was DaVinci v1.0 as compared to now? Am I just wrong asking for 1.0 to be simple and elegant?
JMO.
Regards,
BK
The devil is in the details.
I would think there could be a stock split of the two different divisions, if they were to be incorporated separately. There would be a huge multiple for the cancer PDT division. As such, TLTFF could still exist because of the laser division. The laser division is interesting science, but does not nearly have as monumental of an impact globally. The laser is incorporated in the DFOC too. But could be segregated.
IMO
Regards,
BK