On 11 December 1980, Dieter Eilers founded his engineering office near Hamburg, laying the foundation for a long-standing and international company history that later became known as EK Automation and ek robotics. Together with his team, he developed innovative solutions and designs for industrial electronics in the early years – from microprocessor-based measuring devices to the automation of industrial processes using programmable logic controllers. From this technical pioneering spirit and the ambition to create practical solutions for customers, the company later developed a defining role in the world of Automated Guided Vehicles and automated intralogistics.

Dieter Eilers was not only an engineer and entrepreneur. With his expertise, vision and personal commitment, he shaped many people, products and experiences. He was also a family man, a passionate sailor and a person with a strong sense of social responsibility. What he built and set in motion continues to have an impact today: in technical know-how, in long-standing customer relationships, in products and solutions – and not least in our colleagues who continue to carry this experience and expertise forward. Particularly in the fields of automation, Automated Guided Vehicles and transport robotics, this history remains an important part of our identity.

We remember Dieter Eilers with gratitude, respect and deep appreciation. His passing deeply affects us, as we have lost a person whose expertise, entrepreneurial courage and personal commitment shaped many people, products and experiences.

The memorial service with the urn will take place on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel of the Alter Friedhof, Friedhofstraße 14, 21244 Buchholz, Germany. The burial at sea will take place the following day on the Baltic Sea, in a close circle of family and friends.

Our deepest sympathy goes to his family, his relatives and all those who were personally and professionally connected to him.

Our History