How did you first come across NEURA Mobile Robots and the ek robotics product brand?

Simon Jenkins:
With a career firmly rooted in industrial automation, I have seen robotics become an increasingly important part of modern automation systems.

My previous roles exposed me to a wide range of applications and industries. This also brought me into contact with solutions from ek robotics – at times as a competitor on customer projects. At that time, ek robotics was still known as an independent company.

I first became aware of NEURA at automatica 2025 and was immediately impressed by its innovative strength and clear focus on shaping a new era of human-robot collaboration. Combining decades of experience in mobile robotics with NEURA’s technologies and innovative capabilities creates significant potential.

What convinced you to take on the role of Managing Director at NEURA Mobile Robots Limited?

Simon Jenkins:
NEURA Mobile Robots combines decades of experience in mobile robotics and a strong track record of successful customer installations with NEURA’s expertise in cognitive robotics, artificial intelligence and sensor technology.

Supported by significant recent investment, this combination opens up new opportunities for mobile robotics and AMRs across a wide range of markets and applications – far beyond traditional logistics and manufacturing.

The opportunity to contribute to this development and help shape the future of the business is both highly motivating and genuinely exciting.

Which milestones and experiences in your career have shaped you the most, particularly in terms of leadership and business growth?

Simon Jenkins:
As many people will agree, the past few years have been extremely challenging, shaped by COVID-19, ongoing conflicts and economic uncertainty. Maintaining momentum while continuing to achieve our targets has not always been straightforward.

Important and often difficult decisions had to be made to protect the business. These experiences reinforced the importance of resilience, financial agility and clear leadership.

At times, maintaining team morale and motivation was equally challenging. Working closely with people across all levels and departments of the business strengthened my belief that successful leadership is fundamentally about people: understanding them, valuing their differences and empowering them to develop and perform at their best.

What are your priorities for the first few months in your new role?

Simon Jenkins:
The recent acquisition and changes within the management team will understandably raise questions among both customers and team members.

My immediate priority is to work closely with the established team, understand and address their key challenges, maintain performance and ensure continuity.

I also want to strengthen collaboration with our international teams. By creating greater alignment, shared commitment and stronger partnerships, we can further reinforce customer confidence.

What role does the UK market play within NEURA Mobile Robots’ overall strategy?

Simon Jenkins:
The UK market plays an important role in NEURA Mobile Robots’ overall strategy. Solutions offered under the ek robotics product brand already have a strong installed base in the UK, supported by many long-standing customer relationships.

At the same time, the market is evolving rapidly as demand for AGV and AMR solutions continues to grow across an increasing number of industries.

By combining local expertise and close customer relationships with NEURA’s innovations in cognitive robotics, artificial intelligence and sensor technology, the UK has the potential to become an important growth market and make a significant contribution to the group’s international development.

Where do you currently see the greatest opportunities for AGVs and AMRs in the UK market?

Simon Jenkins:
Mobile robotics is already well established in intralogistics, but it is becoming increasingly relevant across many other industries.

I see particularly strong potential in the life sciences, healthcare and defence sectors. In these environments, advanced automation can make a meaningful contribution.

With the right expertise, a strong understanding of the local market and the capabilities of our team, we can help customers deploy technology where it directly improves processes, resilience and long-term performance.

How do you plan to structure collaboration between the UK organisation and NEURA Mobile Robots’ international teams?

Simon Jenkins:
Effective collaboration between the UK organisation and NEURA Mobile Robots’ international teams will be essential to our success.

My priority is to ensure that we remain closely aligned with the wider group strategy while also bringing the perspectives of the UK market, our customers and our team into the dialogue.

Having previously worked in a global organisation, I understand the value of clear communication, shared objectives and strong cross-border relationships. By combining international expertise with local knowledge and effective implementation, we can create sustainable value for our customers and support the continued growth of the business.

What is particularly important to you as a leader?

Simon Jenkins:
I believe it is essential to work closely with people at every level of the business. This means taking the time to understand their perspectives, value their differences and create the conditions that enable them to develop and perform at their best.

I also believe that constructive challenge is an important part of strong leadership. We should be open to questioning ideas and equally willing to have our own views challenged.

What are you personally most looking forward to in your new role?

Simon Jenkins:
I am looking forward to contributing to the next chapter of NEURA Mobile Robots in the UK and building on the strong foundations already in place.

The opportunity to help shape the future of mobile robotics applications is particularly exciting. I am motivated by the chance to work closely with an innovative team, strengthen customer relationships and create sustainable growth for the business.

How do you maintain a healthy balance in your daily working life?

Simon Jenkins:
Maintaining a healthy balance is important, particularly in a fast-moving and demanding business environment. Clear priorities, focus and effective communication are key.

I believe in working hard and remaining fully committed, while also creating a sustainable rhythm that enables people to perform consistently over the long term.

Outside work, I value having time to reset and reflect. This helps me remain focused, energised and effective in my role – in keeping with the motto: “Work hard, play hard.”

What should your new colleagues definitely know about you?

Simon Jenkins:
My new colleagues should know that I value openness, clarity and accountability.

I believe in being accessible and working closely with people across the business while remaining focused on shared priorities and results.

I bring energy, commitment and a pragmatic approach to leadership. I believe that success is built on trust, collaboration and a shared ambition to move the business forward.

And perhaps most importantly: I like dogs.

About NEURA Mobile Robots Limited

NEURA Mobile Robots Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Germany-based NEURA Mobile Robots GmbH. The company employs nine people at its Buckingham site and supports customers across the UK with innovative mobile robotics and automation solutions.

Its mobile robotics solutions are offered under the ek robotics product brand.