All-female leadership team to oversee robotics company’s relocation to US

Rethink Robotics Inc., which launched a new product portfolio and company rebranding in August, has named an all-female leadership team to oversee its production relocation to the U.S.

Julia Astrid Riemenschneider is the collaborative robotics designer and manufacturer’s new CEO, while Franziska Lorenz is its chief operations officer.

The new leaders will focus on pioneering technologies while overseeing the installation of Rethink Robotics’ North American headquarters, according to a news release. By the end of 2025, the company plans to triple its team size and relocate robot production from Europe to the U.S., according to the release.

Founded in 2008, Rethink Robotics achieved international recognition with its innovative collaborative robots named Baxter and Sawyer. Its newly introduced product line includes collaborative robots in payloads ranging from 7 to 30 kilograms (15 to 66 pounds), two autonomous mobile robots (AMR), and a mobile manipulator (MMR) platform. The robots are designed for increased precision, speed and reliability, according to the company.

Riemenschneider brings more than 10 years of business development experience in industrial automation. She previously worked for United Robotics Group in Europe and the U.S.

“There is huge opportunity for our products in the North American manufacturing market, and we are excited to be working on our first installations as we grow our network of partners, distributors and integrators,” Riemenschneider said in the release. “I am honored to be in the position to lead a team that will challenge the status quo, help manufacturers solve challenges through automation, and empower our business partners for sustainable growth.”

Lorenz, previously responsible for corporate development and compliance at HAHN Automation Group, United Robotics Group, and Schenck Process Group, brings extensive international robotics experience.

“With Rethink Robotics being based in the U.S., we are excited to create high-tech American jobs,” she said. “It is our goal to provide opportunities for motivated and experienced talents to rethink and employ collaborative robots to help solve today’s manufacturing challenges.”

Rethink Robotics designs, manufactures and markets user-friendly robots that reduce repetitive human labor while prioritizing safety.