Interview: Philipp Unterhalt, Chief Executive, Rethink Robotics

German automation expert Hahn Group acquired advanced robotic technology from US-based Rethink Robotics in 2018, including all its patents and trademarks. Rethink Robotics has been developing innovative applications of collaborative robots for use in industrial applications, including automotive. It is perhaps best known for its innovative cobot, called Sawyer.

Sawyer was specifically designed to perform tasks that have historically proven to be impractical to automate with traditional industrial robots. This unit features a seven-degree of freedom robotic arm with a 1,260mm reach, allowing it to manoeuvre into tight spaces and work cells designed for humans. Philipp Unterhalt is Chief Executive at Rethink Robotics and Managing Director at Hahn Group. As he explains, collaborative robots like Sawyer could help accelerate the spread of industrial automation.