DRESDEN - Dresden-based startup Wandelbots, known for its innovative technology to democratize robotics, announces a strategic realignment that will unfortunately lead to the elimination of about 30 percent (update: see below) of its jobs.
"2023 is a pivotal year for Wandelbots. It marks the beginning of a software-only strategy that continues to target our vision of democratizing robotics," CEO Christian Piechnick said on LinkedIn last week. The Wandelbots Operating System brings software completely into focus for the company. The platform is designed to help users automate their operations regardless of their existing hardware setup.
CEO Christian Piechnick calls it a "strategic evolutionary leap" that should help the company adapt to changing market conditions. The software focus is expected to enable seamless integration into existing hardware environments and encourage the development of custom robotic applications.
"As part of the restructuring, 31 percent of jobs were cut, and in addition to direct layoffs (27 percent), 11 positions will not be filled," it said. The company expressed regret for this necessary step. "This substantive realignment has led us to reorganize the company in terms of team composition and required skills," the company said when asked.
Wandelbots emphasized that it has provided a comprehensive support package for the laid-off employees and is offering "a range of services to best support them."
Wandelbots got off to a flying start
Wandelbots' success story began in 2017 in the environment of TU Dresden with the development of a software construction kit for robots. To date, the company has raised a total of 109 million euros in capital, most recently with a Series C financing round of 74 million euros led by US VC Insight Partners.
The company has already attracted notable business partners such as BMW, VW and Fraunhofer, and plans to use the fresh capital to continue its expansion in the U.S. and further open up its robotics software platform. "By opening up our technology, we will realize our mission to democratize robotics with the help of user-friendly software for everyone," said Christian Piechnick, co-founder of Wandelbots.
Wandelbots has called the layoffs a difficult but necessary decision to secure the company's future. Despite the restructuring and resulting changes in staff, Wandelbots remains optimistic and focused on its vision of making robotics accessible to all.
Update: The company's statement said that 27 percent of employees were laid off and another 31 percent of positions will not be filled. That makes about 50 percent in arithmetical terms. Now it says that "27 percent of all positions were eliminated as part of the strategy change."
