SCOPE: UR presented the new e-Series at Automatica. How has the response to the model series been four months later at Motek?

Helmut Schmid: "The robots in our e-Series were very well received at this year's Motek. It is the combination of new features that is particularly exciting for those interested in robotics. Three aspects should be emphasized: the force-torque sensor integrated for the first time, the greater ease of use and the extended safety functions. Thanks to the more sensitive force control via sensor, we offer users a wider range of applications than ever before. The lighter and more responsive teach panel with its even more intuitive user interface ensures faster program development and pleasant handling. And last but not least, the sophisticated safety system makes the risk assessment of e-Series applications a whole lot easier. This complete package is basically exactly what the market demands - and expects - from us today. This has already been mentioned at the presentation of the e-Series at Automatica. The positive response in Stuttgart confirmed our assumption.

SCOPE: To what extent will the new cobots contribute to the further growth of UR?

Schmid: That's crucial, because the industrial automation market is growing rapidly and collaborative robotics is still one of the main driving forces. With the sale of the first UR5 at the end of 2008, the entire industry has experienced such a rapid boom that the development of a completely new generation of cobots was just the next logical step - an evolution of our proven technology, for which the "e" in e-Series stands. Ultimately, this also shows customers that we never tire of constructively using and sharing our expertise from ten years on the market and 27,000 robots in use worldwide to date. The active exchange of experience and close cooperation with users and partners is therefore particularly important to us. Industrial trade fairs such as Motek are an important platform for this. In Stuttgart, we once again experienced how far we have come in the implementation phase of collaborative robotics. Users are now approaching us with specific requirements and want tailor-made solutions in the form of highly flexible applications for their processes and systems. The e-Series provides them with a worthwhile and future-proof investment.

SCOPE: Universal Robots is continuously growing in the double-digit percentage range. What challenges do you face as a result and how do you overcome them?

Schmid: As far as the Western Europe region is concerned, the expansion and development of our partner network plays a decisive role. In a way, the network is the bottleneck that limits the speed of our growth. For this reason, we are constantly on the lookout for new distributors and integrators. Due to the increasingly diverse areas of application for cobots, we are also increasingly focusing on specialists - for example in the welding, palletizing and gluing segments. Partners with the relevant expertise are essential in order to guarantee our customers the development of efficient automation solutions. The topic of recruiting is also of great importance. We are increasingly relying on cooperation with universities to find qualified employees.