Step into the world of Teradyne Robotics, parent company of Universal Robots (UR) and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR), with its newly appointed President Jean-Pierre Hathout in this exclusive interview with Machine Design. Discover how this company is redefining manufacturing automation through innovation, collaboration and a passion for excellence.
Hathout offers a rare insider's perspective on the challenging technical demands of today’s robotic machine design, from developing ultra-fast, precise cobots like the UR8L to integrating advanced AI-driven control systems. “You have to be passionate about what you do,” he says. “It’s passion with a big P that drives success.”
The conversation explores emerging technologies, including AI accelerators and sensor integration, and highlights Teradyne’s growing impact across industries. Hathout speaks of the importance of a collaborative culture, quoting basketball great Michael Jordan: “Talent wins games, but intelligence and teamwork win championships.”
Hear how Teradyne Robotics’ multidisciplinary approach guides design philosophy favoring iterative improvement over perfection from the start. Hathout shares personal leadership insights on fostering engineering talent. He wants Teradyne’s engineers to contribute to code design and innovate, not just manage from “ivory towers.”
With deep roots in academia and industry, Hathout highlights the power of open collaboration. He says they challenge young students by presenting real problems, and often they come back with the best ideas, proving that fresh perspectives fuel breakthrough solutions.
