Building my own pancreas | Robin Koops | TEDxAmsterdam

Summary

The speaker shares their life journey, from mechanical engineering in the food processing industry to creating an artificial pancreas, a 15-year labor of love. They emphasize the importance of enjoying life and working hard, while also highlighting the challenges of managing diabetes and the impact it has had on their personal life. The narrative concludes with a heartfelt message about the transformative power of technology and the pursuit of freedom and quality of life.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker has been living with an artificial pancreas for 15 years, which represents a significant personal achievement.
• 🛠 The speaker has a background in mechanical engineering and has worked in the food processing industry, which has shaped his professional life.
• 🌟 He was involved in bringing a machine to the European market, indicating a successful career in product development and marketing.
• 🏠 The speaker emphasizes the importance of a work-life balance, enjoying life, and working hard during the week while relaxing on weekends.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 He mentions having two children and the challenges of balancing family life with professional responsibilities.
• 🚑 The speaker recounts a personal health scare that led to a hospital visit, highlighting the importance of health awareness.
• 📈 There is a mention of a clinical trial involving an insulin pump, suggesting the speaker's involvement in medical technology advancements.
• 🔬 The script discusses the integration of insulin and glucagon in the body, indicating a focus on biological processes and their technological applications.
• 💡 The speaker talks about creating a device that can help manage blood sugar levels, which could be a reference to the artificial pancreas mentioned earlier.
• 🌱 The speaker shares a story of a person who benefited from the device during a clinical trial, emphasizing the positive impact of the technology on quality of life.
• 🎉 The speaker concludes by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share his story and encourages everyone to contribute positively to the world.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the speaker's life story as described in the script?

The main theme revolves around the speaker's journey from a mechanical engineering background to creating an artificial pancreas, and the impact of this invention on his personal and professional life.

What industry did the speaker initially work in after leaving school?

The speaker initially worked in the food processing industry after leaving school.

What significant health issue did the speaker or someone close to him face?

The speaker or someone close to him faced a serious health issue related to diabetes, which involved frequent hospital visits and a significant impact on their quality of life.

What was the turning point in the speaker's life that led to the development of the artificial pancreas?

The turning point was when the speaker or a loved one faced severe health complications due to diabetes, which motivated him to develop an artificial pancreas to improve their quality of life.

How did the speaker's professional background in mechanical engineering contribute to the creation of the artificial pancreas?

The speaker's background in mechanical engineering provided him with the technical skills and knowledge necessary to design and develop the artificial pancreas.

What challenges did the speaker encounter while developing the artificial pancreas?

The speaker faced challenges such as the complexity of integrating insulin and glucagon into the system, ensuring the device's effectiveness, and conducting clinical trials.

How long did it take for the speaker to develop the artificial pancreas from the initial idea to the final product?

It took the speaker 15 years of work to develop the artificial pancreas from the initial idea to the final product.

What was the impact of the artificial pancreas on the speaker's personal life?

The artificial pancreas had a profound impact on the speaker's personal life, as it not only improved the health of a loved one but also allowed them to regain their freedom and quality of life.

How did the speaker ensure the effectiveness and safety of the artificial pancreas before it was released to the public?

The speaker ensured the effectiveness and safety of the artificial pancreas through extensive testing, including clinical trials and feedback from medical professionals and patients.

What was the speaker's message to the audience at the end of the script?

The speaker's message to the audience was to encourage them to think about creating something that can have a positive impact on the world and to share their experiences and knowledge.

What role did the speaker's family play in his motivation to develop the artificial pancreas?

The speaker's family played a significant role in motivating him to develop the artificial pancreas, as they were directly affected by the health issues related to diabetes.