Universal Robots and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) are set to begin construction on a state-of-the-art joint headquarters in Odense, Denmark . The building will be the largest collaborative robot (cobot) and autonomous robot (AMR) hub that would accommodate up to 600 employees.

Groundbreaking will take place on 20 April with completion expected at the start of 2024.

The new joint headquarters was decided to be built following the explosive growth of both MiR and Universal Robots. In 2021, both companies grew by more than 40 percent, and ambitions are high. Universal Robots and MiR expect to hire more than 200 new employees in 2022 alone, driving the need for larger premises.

The joint headquarters will be located at Energivej in Odense S – a few hundred meters from the current headquarters of Universal Robots. The building will be approximately 20,000m² and will accommodate up to 600 employees.

Production of robots will continue to take place at the existing premises of Universal Robots and MiR.

The companies invested 325 million Danish kroner (US$47.7 million) for the construction of the new building, which is expected to be completed by January 2024.

The plan for a joint head office was published in 2020. However, due to the delay caused by the pandemic, groundbreaking will take place on 20 April.

Perfect Setting for Innovation

However, the new headquarters is not just about the need for more space, explains Kim Povlsen, President of Universal Robots. ”It is not just about extra square meters. This is also about creating the optimum setting for our employees. We continuously work to innovate and move the limits of what is possible for cobots and automation.”

With the new headquarters, we will create a unique and inspiring work environment, where we will also benefit from increased cooperation with MiR and superb synergy between us. The building is designed with focus on the well-being of our employees and on increasing opportunities for informal collaboration during the working day,” Povlsen continues.

The new building will be constructed using natural building materials to reflect and integrate into the surroundings.

Odense as Robot Capital

Søren E. Nielsen, President of MiR, is also looking forward to moving into the new Cobot & AMR Hub. He sees it as huge gain, not only to MiR and Universal Robots, but also to Odense as a robot city.

”The market for both autonomous mobile robots and cobots continues to grow. Thus, we are looking forward to being able to present our current and future employees with an attractive and inspiring setting for their work. Odense has a strong pool of talent and has succeeded in positioning itself in the world as a leading-edge robot city.”

“We are excited therefore that, together with Universal Robots, we can make a long-term investment in the exceptional robot environment on Funen, which we have helped to establish. The building will be a visible testimony that Odense is a robot capital,” Neilsen concludes.

Universal Robots and MiR are both owned by Teradyne and will continue to function as two independent companies.