What made you want to work in automation, and specifically with AGV and AMR solutions?
Dennis: Through my previous work in the automotive industry and intralogistics, I developed a deep understanding of logistics processes. When I first came into contact with an automated guided vehicle system (AGV), I quickly realized that I wanted to specialize in this area. I am particularly fascinated by the combination of technical know-how and process understanding that is required in every project. The versatility of the solutions and ek robotics' flexibility in responding to customer needs convinced me. I have not regretted this decision to this day.
What role and tasks do you have in your team, and what do you enjoy most about your work?
Dennis: Until October 2024, I was responsible for sales in western Germany and the Benelux countries and managed projects ranging from small single-vehicle systems to complex special solutions. Since October 2024, I have been leading our Business Development / Pre-Sales team. My focus is on actively approaching potential customers to further expand our market presence. I particularly appreciate the close cooperation within the team – from sales to the specialist departments – and the direct exchange with our customers. I find it inspiring and motivating to constantly develop new, customized solutions and find creative approaches to challenging projects.
How do you keep yourself up to date professionally and personally? Are there any training courses that have particularly inspired you recently?
Dennis: I mainly keep up to date professionally by talking to my colleagues and observing current industry trends. I haven't taken any specific training courses yet, but I learn a lot from practical experience and from working with my team every day. These experiences inspire me time and again and help me gain new perspectives.
Do you have any ideas on how we could further increase the efficiency of our AGV and AMR solutions or tap into new market segments?
Dennis: The efficiency of our solutions depends largely on close cooperation with our customers. The better we understand their processes, the better we can tailor our systems to their needs. As far as new market segments are concerned, I see great potential in the targeted expansion of our business development activities and a stronger focus on marketing. ek robotics has an excellent reputation, and with additional pre-sales initiatives, we could raise our profile even further.
How do you structure your working day to stay productive and focused?
Dennis: My working day is often dominated by meetings and business trips. To stay productive, I deliberately schedule periods of time when I can concentrate on the details of my projects without being disturbed. Of course, this doesn't always work perfectly, but I always find a way to stay focused and keep my priorities in mind.
Can you tell us about a successful project you have recently completed? What were the key factors for its success?
Dennis: One particularly exciting project was the construction of a plant with special vehicles for the beverage industry. We worked intensively with the customer over a long period of time. The key factors for success were the excellent support from our specialist departments, close coordination with the customer, and our perseverance during the one-and-a-half-year tendering phase. The trusting relationship with the customer was a decisive factor that contributed significantly to the success.
Where do you see the automation industry in the next five years, and how should the company prepare for this?
Dennis: The automation industry is an absolute growth market. Demographic change and rising labor costs will force companies to invest in automation in order to remain competitive. I see great potential for ek robotics, which we can exploit by further developing our products and expanding our portfolio in a targeted manner.
What challenges do you encounter most frequently in your projects, and how do you overcome them?
Dennis: The challenges vary greatly depending on customer requirements. Space requirements and integration into existing buildings, as well as combination with manual processes, are often particularly demanding. The key to success lies in understanding the customer's processes in detail. Together with our team, we almost always develop solutions that meet both technical and operational requirements.
How do you maintain a work-life balance outside of work? Do you have any hobbies or interests that help you unwind?
Dennis: For me, traveling with my wife is the best way to unwind after work. Whether it's a big vacation or a spontaneous getaway, these moments together help me switch off completely and clear my head. At the moment, building a house is taking up a lot of my time. As soon as the garage is finished, I'm looking forward to finally getting back to working on cars – a hobby that has fascinated me for years and always gives me new energy.
Dennis is part of the NeXtGen class of 2024, a development program for talented employees at ek robotics. With his passion for innovative automation solutions, his focus on customer-oriented processes, and his enthusiasm for teamwork, he is not only driving forward the market presence of ek robotics, but also playing a decisive role in shaping the future of intralogistics.
