Teradyne Robotics Leader Ujjwal Kumar Departs Amid Industry Turmoil

Teradyne Robotics Leader Ujjwal Kumar Departs Amid Industry Turmoil

Ujjwal Kumar Steps Down as President of Teradyne Robotics: A New Chapter for the Company?

The robotics industry was sent into shockwaves yesterday when Ujjwal Kumar announced on LinkedIn that it was his last day as president of Teradyne Robotics Group. The news comes at a time when the company is facing challenges in expanding its revenue and navigating a rapidly changing market landscape.

Kumar, who has been instrumental in driving growth and innovation at Teradyne Robotics, will remain with the company through September 2025 to ensure a smooth transition for his successor, Jean-Pierre Hathout. The new president of UR and MiR will be taking over a significant challenge, as the robotics industry continues to evolve at a breakneck pace.

In his farewell message, Kumar expressed his pride in working with an incredible global team at Teradyne Robotics, expanding product and customer portfolios, extending the company’s global footprint, championing physical AI, and helping customers transform the way they work. He also hinted that he will continue to pursue his passion for business transformation, physical AI, industry 5.0, and automation in his future endeavors.

Kumar did not provide any further information on where he plans to head next, leaving many to wonder what’s in store for him. The Robot Report was able to reach out to both Kumar and Teradyne president and CEO Greg Smith, but neither was willing to comment until after the official announcement of his next move.

Teradyne Robotics is a leading manufacturer of collaborative robots (cobots) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), with its Universal Robots and Mobile Industrial Robots businesses being the crown jewels of its portfolio. The company has struggled in recent months to match previous years’ revenue, with the group generating $75 million in the second quarter of 2025, representing a 17% year-over-year decline.

To address this challenge, Teradyne Robotics has undergone significant changes, including laying off about 10% of its workforce and implementing leadership transitions at both UR and MiR. The company cited the need to align operations with market conditions but assured that these moves were aimed at sharpening strategic focus and improving execution across both businesses.

Universal Robots’ (UR) manufacturing capabilities in Nantong, China have been a notable development in recent months. This was the first overseas production facility for the Danish-based cobot leader, which has stated its intention to significantly expand its presence in China, the world’s largest market for industrial robots. To meet growing demand in this critical region, UR is producing two cobots specifically designed for China: the UR7e and UR12e.

Teradyne Robotics’ decision to invest in China reflects the company’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and meeting the increasing demands of a rapidly evolving robotics industry. With the rise of Industry 5.0 and automation, companies like Teradyne Robotics are playing a vital role in shaping the future of manufacturing and logistics.

Meet Jean-Pierre Hathout: The New President of Teradyne Robotics

In May 2025, Teradyne named Jean-Pierre “JP” Hathout as Kumar’s successor. Hathout brings over two decades of international management experience, including 17 years at Bosch, to the role. Most recently, he led MiR to strengthen its product portfolio and global position.

“I’m excited to be able to step into this role where I can combine my experience of and passion for both cobot and AMR automation,” said Hathout. “This is a further opportunity to leverage the significant technical and commercial synergies between the two brands at a time of rapid innovation and growing market potential.”

Hathout’s appointment has been welcomed by Teradyne Robotics, with President and CEO Greg Smith expressing his confidence in the new president’s ability to navigate the challenges and lead the company to achieve its growth goals.

“We are thrilled for JP to step into this new role of leading the Robotics group,” said Smith. “The robotics industry is fast-changing, and I am confident in JP’s ability to navigate the challenges and lead Teradyne Robotics to achieve its growth goals in the years to come.”

As Teradyne Robotics embarks on a new chapter with Jean-Pierre Hathout at the helm, one thing is clear: the company will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of robotics. With Kumar’s departure, the stage is set for a fresh perspective and innovative approaches that will drive growth and success for the company.

The Future of Robotics: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

As the robotics industry continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, companies like Teradyne Robotics are faced with significant challenges and opportunities. From Industry 5.0 and automation to cobots and AMRs, the landscape is changing rapidly, and companies must adapt quickly to remain competitive.

Teradyne Robotics has a critical role to play in this evolution, leveraging its expertise in cobots and AMRs to drive growth and innovation. With Jean-Pierre Hathout at the helm, the company is well-positioned to navigate these challenges and seize new opportunities.

The departure of Ujjwal Kumar marks an important chapter in Teradyne Robotics’ history, but the future remains bright for the company. As it embarks on a new journey with Hathout leading the charge, one thing is clear: the company will continue to be a driving force in shaping the future of robotics.

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