Visit to Insulet Headquarters: Omnipod Overview

Introduction

• Speaker: Justin from Diabet Tech, focusing on diabetes tech news and management.
• Purpose: Share insights from visit to Insulet, makers of Omnipod, a tubeless insulin pump.
• Activities: Tour of research and development lab, factory floor, and interview with an executive.
• Acknowledgments: Insulet covered travel expenses.

Research and Development Lab

• Location: Acton, Massachusetts, about an hour from Boston.
• Team Introduction: Met the team behind Omnipod, some with 20 years of experience.
• Current Projects: Working on Omnipod 6, Omnipod 7, and Dexcom G7 support.
• Omnipod History:
  • Original Omnipod: Never reached consumers, received FDA clearance for research.
  • Omnipod 2: Larger than current models, released in 2005.
  • Omnipod Eros (Omnipod 3): 30% smaller, current form used.
  • Omnipod Dash (Omnipod 4) and Omnipod 5: Current standard.

Omnipod Development Insights

• Founder's Inspiration: Developed by Insulet's founder for his diabetic child.
• Pump Mechanics:
  • Sound Production: Uses Piezo, no speaker, creates sound via vibrations.
  • Needle Insertion: Arm mechanism inserts cannula into the body.
  • Batteries: Similar to those in a Tamagotchi.
  • Insulin Capsule: Holds up to 200 units of insulin.
• Sterilization Process: Devices are sterilized post-packaging, utilizing special material.

Factory Tour

• New Facility: In Malaysia, 400,000 sq ft, opening mid-2024.
  • Employment: Plans to hire 500+ employees.
• Factory Operations:
  • Preparation: Required to wear protective gear for cleanliness and safety.
  • Working Shifts: Factory operates 24/7 across three shifts.
  • Production Process: 70 parts per pump, assembled in about one minute.
  • Sustainability: Solar panels on parking garage for renewable energy.

Executive Interview

• Discussion Topics: Omnipod Go for type 2 diabetes and future of Omnipod.
• Availability: Interview available on YouTube and podcast.

Conclusion

• Experience: Described as incredible and informative.
• Future Aspirations: Interest in visiting and reporting on more factories.
• Content Schedule: Social media updates, podcast episodes every Monday, videos on Fridays.
• Call to Action: Encouragement to subscribe and support for more content.
• Gratitude: Thankful to Insulet for the opportunity.