After six years of closure, Rethink Robotics has made a strong comeback, launching a new line of collaborative robot arms, autonomous mobile robots, and a mobile manipulator. Alongside its product relaunch, the company has unveiled a new leadership team, with Julia Astrid Riemenschneider taking the helm as CEO and Franziska Lorenz appointed as Chief Operations Officer. Their leadership will be pivotal as the company aims to expand its footprint in the North American market and push forward with ambitious growth plans.
Riemenschneider and Lorenz have set clear priorities for the company’s future. The duo is focused on accelerating the development and installation of Rethink Robotics’ innovative technology in collaborative robots. They are also overseeing the establishment of the company’s new North American headquarters. By 2025, Rethink Robotics plans to triple its workforce and relocate its robot production from Europe to the U.S. to better serve the growing demand for automation in manufacturing.
Riemenschneider, who brings over a decade of experience in industrial automation, previously played a key role in business development at United Robotics Group and Universal Robots. As CEO, she will oversee customer-facing departments such as marketing, sales, and product development. Her extensive experience in business development within the robotics and automation sectors positions her well to lead Rethink Robotics into its next chapter.
Lorenz, with a solid background in international business, previously held senior roles at HAHN Automation Group and Schenck Process Group. Her focus will be on corporate development and operations as Rethink Robotics ramps up its growth. Lorenz shared her enthusiasm about the company’s U.S.-based operations, saying, “We are excited to create high-tech American jobs,” and emphasized the importance of employing collaborative robots to help manufacturers solve modern challenges. Together, Riemenschneider and Lorenz are poised to drive Rethink Robotics’ success as it continues to lead in automation technology.
