How did you first encounter with NEURA Mobile Robots or the ek robotics – a NEURA brand?
Gianni Cossar: My first encounters with robotics date back to my time in Japan and Asia, where innovation is deeply rooted in everyday life. Recently, a visit to Expo Osaka reminded me once again how rapidly this industry is evolving and how profoundly it will shape the future of work. I came across the ek robotics brand a few months ago at a CEO forum in Milan, and the company behind it immediately caught my eye with both its strong tradition and exciting future potential.
What convinced you to take on the role of Managing Director at NEURA Mobile Robots S.r.l.?
Gianni Cossar: What really convinced me was the combination of vision and dynamism. NEURA Mobile Robots is entering a new phase of growth, supported by significant investments and a clear ambition to lead innovation in this field. Opportunities like this—where you can actively help shape the next chapter of a company—are rare and incredibly motivating. NEURA Mobile Robots brings decades of experience in mobile transport robotics—NEURA Robotics complements this with expertise in cognitive robotics, AI, and sensor technology. Together, this creates the next generation of intelligent intralogistics and a major opportunity for joint applications.
What milestones and experiences in your career have shaped you the most – particularly in terms of leadership and growth?
Gianni Cossar: I’ve had the privilege of building an international career across various markets and cultures, each of which has shaped my perspective on leadership. My six years in Japan, where I led operations in North Asia, were particularly formative. Navigating the COVID era far from home required resilience, clarity, and a strong sense of responsibility. Every day, I had to balance business continuity with the safety and well-being of hundreds of employees, their families, and our business partners. In the medical sector, we also bore the responsibility of ensuring a secure supply chain for patients and clinics, an experience that has profoundly strengthened my self-image as a leader and my sense of responsibility.
What are your priorities for the first few months in your new role?
Gianni Cossar: The company is currently undergoing an exciting transition toward accelerated growth. My priority is to leverage this momentum by aligning people, strategy, and execution to unlock the full potential of the Italian market and translate our ambitions into tangible results.
What role does the Italian market play within NEURA Mobile Robots’ overall strategy?
Gianni Cossar: I see Italy as a key pillar in NEURA Mobile Robots’ growth trajectory. With its strong industrial base and openness to innovation, the Italian market has the potential to become both a growth engine and a center of excellence within the group.
Where do you currently see the greatest opportunities for mobile transport robotics in the market?
Gianni Cossar: Mobile transport robotics will play an increasingly important role across all industries, but I see particularly great opportunities in the pharmaceutical, medical technology, and healthcare sectors – areas where efficiency, precision, and reliability are essential. With the right expertise and the right team, we can make a significant contribution in environments where technology directly supports people’s well-being.
How do you plan to structure collaboration with local and international teams?
Gianni Cossar: In today’s world, success depends on seamless collaboration across borders. Having spent my career in global organizations, I firmly believe in the power of coordinated, connected teams. My role is to serve as a bridge, ensuring that global vision and local execution reinforce one another to create sustainable value.
What is particularly important to you in your leadership role?
Gianni Cossar: I believe leadership is about creating conditions for others to succeed. High-performing teams are built on trust, clarity, and shared goals. My focus is on empowering people, fostering engagement, and unlocking the team’s full potential.
What are you personally most looking forward to in your new role?
Gianni Cossar: I am genuinely looking forward to being part of this new chapter—helping to shape the future of NEURA Mobile Robots while building on the strong legacy of ek robotics. It is a unique opportunity to combine entrepreneurial energy with proven expertise.
How do you find balance in your daily work life?
Gianni Cossar: Balance is an ongoing process. Having worked in demanding international environments such as Tokyo, Singapore and London, I’ve developed a strong work ethic. At the same time, I increasingly appreciate the importance of sustainability, both for performance and for personal well-being.
What should your new colleagues definitely know about you?
Gianni Cossar: I believe in open dialogue, a sense of responsibility, and clarity. My door is open to everyone, because accessibility is important, but so is focus. I value strong leadership combined with entrepreneurial thinking and the ability to get things done. Above all, I view success as a shared achievement.
NEURA Mobile Robots S.r.l. is a wholly owned subsidiary of NEURA Mobile Robots GmbH and employs 43 people at its Milan location.
