Ep. 47 | Universal Robots CEO Kim Povlsen on Collaborative Robots for the 98%

Ep. 47 | Universal Robots CEO Kim Povlsen on Collaborative Robots for the 98%

Author: All About Circuits June 7, 2022 Duration: 46:58

"I think you're going to see a world where people work side by side with robots," says Povlsen. Collaborative robots, like those made by Universal Robots, will take care of the "3D" tasks - dull, dirty, or dangerous. This will allow people to "take on more fulfilling tasks" and use their creativity.

In this episode, Povlsen discusses the early years of Universal Robots and the ambitious goal to create collaborative robots that would be easy to install and fun to program. 

"They wanted to change that entire paradigm of how to program robots into something that pretty much anyone can do with just minimum training."

Before joining Universal Robots, Povlsen spent some of his early years at Schneider Electric working on embedded IoT devices "where I think we could all see the great potential of connecting devices in general," but "back then it was a pain in the neck to connect anything." 

Povlsen's father was an electrical engineer whose workshop was filled with interesting equipment and project. This early exposure created his passion for technology; even though his first project as a young boy was less than a success.

"I thought I could build this new fancy program and I totally failed..But, I thought it was great." 

In this lively Moore's Lobby interview, the charismatic Povlsen also expounds on: 

  • The IKEA of cobots 
  • From ship building to robotics - how a Danish community transitioned from world leadership in one industry to a completely different one
  • The conceptual connection between noise-canceling headphones and better cobots
  • And, why he doesn't want to play squash with a robot

In the world of electronics, the real story is often found in the people who design, innovate, and push the boundaries of what's possible. Moore's Lobby: Where engineers talk all about circuits is a monthly podcast that goes beyond datasheets and schematics to explore the human element driving technological progress. Host Daniel Bogdanoff sits down with a diverse range of guests-from hands-on engineers and visionary technologists to the executives steering major organizations-for conversations that are as much about personal journey as technical achievement. Each episode delves into the practical engineering and the broader industry trends shaping our future, but always through the lens of the individual's experience. You'll hear firsthand accounts of breakthrough moments, the challenges of bringing complex ideas to life, and the philosophies that guide leaders in this demanding field. This podcast from All About Circuits connects a global community of professionals who share a deep curiosity for how things work and who makes them work. It’s a space for nuanced discussion that aims to inform, inspire, and provide genuine insight into the circuit-driven world we inhabit. The dialogue here is for those who appreciate the substance behind the innovation, offering a blend of technical depth and narrative that you can naturally integrate into your own perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Moore's Lobby: Where engineers talk all about circuits
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