Denmark and the United States are reaching across the Atlantic to foster mutual growth in the burgeoning robotics industry. The partnership, announced at the automatica trade fair in Munich, between Odense Robotics, Denmark’s national robotics cluster, and the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, a key hub in the US, is designed to bolster both nations’ standing in the sector.
Odense Robotics CEO, Søren Elmer Kristensen, extolled the benefits of the collaboration, emphasizing the similarities between the two ecosystems and highlighting the opportunity for shared growth. He noted the Danish robotics industry’s focus on the global market, particularly the US, which ranks as one of its biggest export markets. The agreement, according to Kristensen, will be beneficial to both parties, with ambitions to expand connections with more international robotics clusters in the future.
Pittsburgh is a leading global center for robotics, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence, a reputation that it owes to its cutting-edge research institutions that attract companies and investments to drive technological innovation. The city is home to over 100 robotics companies, bolstered by the presence of Carnegie Mellon University, a leader in the field that launched the world’s first Ph.D. program in robotics in 1988.
Jenn Apicella, interim Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, pointed out the commonalities between Danish and American robotics enterprises. They both face similar opportunities and challenges, fuelled by increasing global demand for intelligent autonomous robotic solutions. This strategic partnership is aimed at creating pathways to new growth opportunities for companies in both regions.
In Denmark, the national robotics ecosystem includes over 500 robotics, automation, and drone companies, employing over 12,700 people, with a significant investment of EUR 990 million. Denmark has a strong claim in the field, having invented the world’s first collaborative robot.
This collaboration agreement between two leading robotics clusters marks a significant step in international industry cooperation. By sharing resources, knowledge, and market access, both ecosystems hope to propel their industries to new heights, while preparing to face the challenges that come with growing global demand for advanced robotics solutions.
