Portrait of Susanne Noerdinger

A Journey Fueled by Curiosity

If you had told me as a child that I would one day be named one of the 10 Women Shaping the Future of Robotics, I’m not sure I would have believed you. But looking back, the signs were there from the very beginning.

Some of my earliest memories are of sitting beside my grandfather while he drew technical sketches by hand. He worked as a designer for a ball-bearing manufacturer, and I was mesmerized by his precision. These weren’t just lines on paper. They were plans. Codes. Maps of something bigger. I remember studying those blueprints for hours, captivated by the idea that machines could be imagined, designed, and then built to solve real-world problems.

That spark of curiosity never really left me.

Finding My Way Into Robotics

My path into robotics wasn’t a straight line. I started in engineering school, where I focused on food technology, but ultimately chose a different direction and became a journalist. Covering automation and industrial technologies brought me into contact with some of the brightest minds in the field, and I quickly found myself immersed in the world of robotics.

In 2014, I had the chance to meet Esben Østergaard and Enrico Krog Iversen, the founders of Universal Robots. Their vision stood out. They spoke not just about machinery, but about people. About collaboration. About how automation could be made accessible, not just for large industrial players, but for everyone. That moment stayed with me.

I knew I wanted to do more than just report on innovation. I wanted to be part of it. That decision led me to pursue an MBA in International Business Management and Leadership, and eventually into a new chapter at Universal Robots. Today, I lead the Ecosystem Success team for the EMEA region, helping partners across the UR+ ecosystem thrive and grow.

Making Work Better

What drew me to collaborative robotics was its human side. I’ve always believed that technology should make work better, not just faster. Robots shouldn’t replace people – they should help them. Make their jobs safer, more interesting, more meaningful.

I still remember visiting an ice cream factory two decades ago. Workers were manually packing ice creams into boxes for hours at a time. Today, robots handle that task, while the same people are running the equipment, writing programs, and monitoring systems. Their roles have changed for the better.

Since 2015, I’ve spoken at industry summits about the value of human-robot collaboration, even when collaborative robots were still relatively new. Topics like safety, usability, and real-world applications have always been important to me. Pushing the conversation forward has felt essential, and incredibly rewarding.

Communicating Robotics

My background in journalism continues to shape the way I work today. Communicating complex ideas in a clear and relatable way has always been a strength. Whether I’m speaking at events, contributing to industry publications, or participating in interviews, I see it as a chance to connect. To explain. To inspire.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of writing for magazines like Produktion, speaking on Germany’s Deutschlandfunk Kultur radio, and appearing at events such as the AI Tech Summit and Hispack in Barcelona. One of the highlights of my early career was editing the daily newspaper at Automatica in both 2012 and 2014. Fast-paced, high-pressure, and incredibly fulfilling.

I enjoy helping others understand the world of robotics. And I love showing how it connects to the world around us.

Encouraging Inclusion

Growing up, I never felt that being a girl interested in engineering was unusual. My parents encouraged me and my sisters to follow our interests, whatever they were. I didn’t see my gender as an obstacle.

But as my career progressed, I started to understand the power of visibility. When young women see someone like them working in robotics, it matters. It creates possibilities. I believe in being visible, in mentoring others, and in creating a space where people feel they belong.

At Universal Robots, I actively mentor and support women across the company. I see mentorship as a two-way street – an exchange of experiences, perspectives, and ideas. We all have something to learn.

To me, diversity isn’t just about gender. It’s about bringing together different mindsets, disciplines, and backgrounds. You don’t need to be an engineer to make an impact in robotics. Marketers, designers, strategists, and project managers all bring something valuable to the table. That’s where innovation really thrives – when we solve problems together in new and unexpected ways.

Looking Ahead

This is such an exciting time for robotics. Artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly, and we’re seeing robots used in completely new environments. From sorting blood samples in medical labs to transforming the world of filmmaking, the applications are expanding fast.

And of course, I wouldn’t mind seeing robots take over more of the boring household jobs. Folding laundry. Emptying the dishwasher. One day, maybe!

Outside of work, I enjoy restoring vintage items – furniture, electronics, anything with a bit of character. I love the process of bringing things back to life. I’m also a bit of a classic car enthusiast. Nothing beats a sunny day and a good drive in my vintage car with my family.

Selling refurbished items online has become a bit of a hobby too. It’s like running a mini business – pricing, descriptions, logistics. It keeps me sharp.

Final Thoughts

Being recognized by the International Federation of Robotics as one of the 10 Women Shaping the Future of Robotics is a huge honour. But more than that, it’s a reminder of why I chose this path in the first place.

I’ve seen how robotics can improve safety, boost productivity, and empower people in their work. That’s what keeps me inspired.

To anyone considering a career in robotics – especially young women – I’d say this: you belong here. Whether you’re an engineer, a communicator, a strategist, or a creative thinker, your skills and perspective are needed.

The future of robotics is collaborative. And there’s room for all of us in it.

Find out more about IFR's initiative "Women in Robotics".