UR’s Susanne Nördinger named as one of 10 Women Shaping the Future of Robotics

A Childhood Spark That Never Dimmed

From an early age, Susanne was fascinated by how things worked. As a child, she would sit for hours watching her grandfather, a designer at a ball-bearing manufacturing company, meticulously sketch technical drawings by hand. “I remember looking at these enormous blueprints, the precision and intricacy of each line — it was like a secret language of machines,” she recalls. This early exposure to engineering sparked a passion that never left her.

But it wasn’t just about mechanics. What intrigued her most was the role machines played in shaping the world — how they solved problems, improved efficiency, and made life better. “I was never just interested in how machines worked, but why they mattered,” she explains. This innate curiosity led her to robotics — a field that blends technological advancement with real-world impact.

An Unconventional Path into Robotics

Susanne’s journey into robotics didn’t follow a traditional engineering route. She began her career as a journalist covering automation and engineering, quickly becoming embedded in the robotics community. A pivotal moment came in 2014 when she met Universal Robots (UR) founder Esben Østergaard and former CEO Enrico Krog Iversen. “There was something different about UR — the way they talked about collaborative robots, the idea that automation could be accessible to all, not just massive industrial players,” she recalls.

Her passion for collaborative robotics grew as she followed UR’s journey. Determined to transition from journalism to a hands-on role in robotics, she pursued an MBA in International Business Management and Leadership. In 2021, she joined Universal Robots as the UR+ Ecosystem Manager for EMEA and now leads the Ecosystem Success Team for the region.

Pioneering Human-Robot Collaboration

For over a decade, Susanne has been a vocal advocate for human-robot collaboration, believing that automation should enhance human ingenuity rather than replace it. As early as 2015, she was already shaping key discussions on safety standards, real-world applications, and the transformative potential of automation at major industry summits. At a time when collaborative robots were still gaining acceptance, she helped push the conversation forward, emphasizing their benefits and the opportunities they could unlock across industries.

Today, she continues to push the boundaries of collaborative robotics, helping industries integrate automation in ways that improve safety and efficiency. “Robots should make work better, not just faster,” she emphasizes. “I remember visiting an ice cream factory 20 years ago where workers manually packed ice creams into boxes. Now, robots do that, while employees take on more engaging roles in programming and supervision.”

Thought Leadership and Advocacy

Susanne’s ability to communicate complex robotics concepts has made her a sought-after voice in the industry. She has authored numerous articles on automation trends, safety in human-robot collaboration, and the rise of robotics hubs like Denmark. Her insights have appeared in leading industry publications such as Produktion, and she continues to share her expertise through media outlets like Germany’s Deutschlandfunk Kultur radio station.

She is also a regular speaker at major industry events like the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tech Summit and Hispack in Barcelona. As chief editor of Automatica’s daily newspaper in 2012 and 2014, she played a pivotal role in ensuring cutting-edge trends reached a broad audience. Her unique blend of technical knowledge and communication skills has helped shape conversations around the future of robotics.

Encouraging Diversity in Robotics

While Susanne never saw gender as a barrier, she understands the significance of representation in inspiring more women to join the field. “I was naturally drawn to technology and engineering, and my parents raised my sisters and me with the same encouragement. I never saw my gender as an obstacle — just an aspect of who I was,” she explains. However, throughout her career, she has recognized that visibility matters. "When young women see someone like them excelling in robotics, it plants the idea that they too can succeed. That’s why I believe it’s important to be present, to mentor, and to lift others up in this space."

She actively supports and mentors women within Universal Robots, fostering a culture of empowerment and knowledge-sharing. "I see mentorship as a two-way street," she explains. "It's not just about guiding others but also learning from their experiences and perspectives." Susanne believes that diversity in robotics extends beyond gender — it’s about welcoming different skill sets and backgrounds. “You don’t need to be an engineer to contribute to robotics — marketers, designers, and project managers all play a role. Innovation thrives when multiple disciplines come together to solve problems in new and unexpected ways.”

A Look Ahead: The Future of Robotics

With the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and robotics, Susanne is excited about the possibilities. “Our robots are now used in diverse fields — sorting blood samples in laboratories, revolutionizing filmmaking, and improving traditional applications like welding and machine tending. AI-driven solutions that seemed distant a decade ago are now a reality.”

She also hopes for greater integration of robotics in daily life. “I’d love to see robots handling more tedious household tasks — like ironing or emptying the dishwasher!”

Outside of work, Susanne enjoys refurbishing second-hand items and driving her vintage car. “Selling things online is a fascinating challenge — it requires the right pricing, catchy descriptions, and logistics management. And when the weather’s nice, nothing beats a drive in my classic car.”

Final Thoughts

Looking back, Susanne is proud of the impact she has made in robotics. “Seeing real-world applications improve productivity and safety reminds me why I do what I do.”

As robotics continues to evolve, leaders like Susanne Nördinger will shape its future — one innovation at a time.