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

Simon Jenkins: With a career firmly rooted in industrial automation, I have seen robotics become an increasingly important part of many automation systems. My previous roles have given me exposure to a wide range of applications and industries, which made me familiar with the ek-robotics offering at times even as a competitor on projects. At Automatica 2025, I first became aware of the NEURA brand and was immediately impressed by its innovation and clear focus on shaping a new era of human-robot collaboration.

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

Simon Jenkins: Building on decades of experience and a strong track record of successful installations, NEURA’s expertise in cognitive robotics, AI, and sensor technology supported by significant recent investment will create new opportunities for mobile robotics and AMRs across a wide range of markets and applications beyond traditional logistics and manufacturing. The opportunity to contribute to this journey 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 will agree, the past few years have been extremely challenging, shaped by COVID-19, ongoing conflicts and economic uncertainty. Maintaining momentum and achieving targets has therefore not always been straightforward. To protect the business, important and often difficult decisions had to be made, and this experience reinforced the importance of resilience, financial agility and clear leadership. At times, maintaining team morale and motivation was also challenging. Working closely with people across all levels and departments of the business strengthened my belief that successful business management 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 to the management team will understandably create questions for both customers and team members. My immediate priority is to work closely with the established team to understand and address their key pain points, maintain performance and provide continuity. I also want to strengthen collaboration with our international teams, building alignment, shared commitment and stronger partnerships that ultimately support and increase 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. It has already contributed significantly to the success of ek-robotics, with a strong installed base and long-standing customer relationships. At the same time, the market is evolving quickly as demand for AGV and AMR solutions continues to grow across a wider range of industries. By combining local expertise and customer proximity with NEURA’s innovation in cognitive robotics, AI and sensor technology, the UK has the potential to become an important growth market and a strong contributor to the group’s international development.

Where do you currently see the greatest opportunities for mobile transport robotics with AGV & AMR in the UK market?

Simon Jenkins: Mobile robotics is well established in intralogistics but is becoming increasingly relevant across almost every industry, I see strong potential in the lifescience, healthcare and defence sectors. In these environments, advanced automation can make a meaningful contribution. With the right expertise, local understanding and team capability, we can support customers in applying 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‘s 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 voice of the UK market, our customers and our team into that 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 execution, we can create sustainable value for 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, 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 challenging ideas and equally willing to be challenged ourselves.

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

Simon Jenkins: I am looking forward to contributing to this next chapter for NEURA Mobile Robots in the UK and helping to build on the strong foundations already established. The opportunity to shape the future of mobile robobot applications is particularly exciting. I am motivated by the chance to work closely with an innovative team, strengthen customer relationships and develop sustainable growth for the business.

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

Simon Jenkins: Maintaining a healthy balance in daily working life 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 staying committed, but also in creating a sustainable rhythm that allows people to perform consistently over the long term. Outside work, I value time to reset and reflect, which helps me stay focused, energised and effective in my role. (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 also staying focused on shared priorities and results. I bring energy, commitment and a pragmatic approach to leadership, and I believe success is built through trust, collaboration and a shared ambition to move the business forward. 

Oh, and most of all, I like dogs. 

About NEURA Mobile Robots Limited

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