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This role sits within ABB's Robotics business, a leading global robotics company. We're entering an exciting new chapter as we’ve announced the plan for SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank is a globally recognized technology group and investor/operator focused on AI, robotics, and next-generation computing. By joining us now, you’ll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics—working alongside world-class experts in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment.
This Position reports to:
R&D Global Unit Lead
Global R&D Manager – Logistics and Machine Tending, ABB Robotics
Position Details
The R&D Manager – Logistics and Machine Tending is responsible for leading and orchestrating Robotics R&D activities at the Belgium R&D site with a strong focus on solutions for logistics automation and machine tending.
The role reports to the Global Technology & Innovation Manager, ABB Robotics, and acts as a key integrator across global R&D locations, Product Management, Platform & Architecture teams, and the Global Solution Center (GSC) Belgium System Team, ensuring end‑to‑end technology maturation, system integration, and execution excellence.
About R&D at ABB Robotics
ABB Robotics, number 2 Robotics company in the world, is a pioneer in Industrial robotics with more than 5 decades of innovation and product creation with customers worldwide. Our R&D sites are spread across the globe leveraging the diversity of competencies across geographies.
We're entering an exciting new chapter as announced earlier with SoftBank Group set to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank is a globally recognized technology investor focused on next generation AI and Robotics.
By joining us, you’ll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics in Physical AI working alongside world-class experts in a fast-paced, cutting-edge technology and innovation-driven environment.
Your role and responsibilities
In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead the Belgium Site Research and Development (R&D) team and support them in achieving the agreed R&D targets. You’ll support the Global R&D Management team in implementing the priorities for the site.
The work model for the role is: #Li_hybrid
1. Global R&D Synergy & Site Leadership
* Lead the Belgium R&D site as a core contributor within the global R&D network, actively leveraging competencies across regions (software, autonomy, hardware, simulation, AI).
* Align site-level execution with global technology roadmaps, platform strategies, and architectural guidelines.
* Drive cross-site collaboration models (shared ownership, co-development, modularization) to avoid duplication and accelerate innovation.
2. Technology & Product Development
* Own and drive R&D contributions for solutions targeting:
o Logistics automation (intralogistics, material handling, flexible flows)
o Machine tending and flexible manufacturing cells
* Ensure development of autonomy, perception, planning, control, and system intelligence that is robust, scalable, and product-ready.
* Balance technology innovation with productization discipline, ensuring readiness for industrial deployment.
3. Collaboration with Product Organization
* Act as a strategic R&D partner to Product Management, Platform Architects, and Portfolio Owners.
* Ensure strong feedback loops between product requirements, system validation, and R&D execution.
4. System Integration & Execution Excellence (GSC Belgium Interface)
* Serve as the primary R&D interface to the GSC Belgium System Team.
* Drive system-level integration, ensuring seamless interaction between:
o Robots, controllers, autonomy software, perception systems
o Cell-level solutions, safety concepts, and deployment environments
* Strengthen execution excellence through:
o Clear system ownership and integration accountability
o Early validation, system testing, and industrialization readiness
o Consistent application of quality, compliance, and release discipline
5. R&D Project Execution & Delivery
* Ensure predictable, high-quality execution of R&D projects using modern, Agile-at-scale development practices.
* Apply automation, AI-enabled toolchains, and data-driven development to improve speed, quality, and efficiency.
* Take full accountability for delivery commitments, technical quality, and product robustness.
6. Innovation & Physical AI Leadership
* Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and learning, aligned with ABB’s and SoftBank’s Physical AI vision.
* Ensure the site delivers measurable contributions to IP creation, technology differentiation, and long-term competitiveness.
* Encourage structured innovation that feeds both near-term product needs and longer-term platform evolution.
7. People & Capability Development
* Coach and develop first-line managers, architects, and technical project leaders.
* Build and sustain future-ready competencies in autonomy, AI, systems engineering, and software-driven robotics.
* Drive high engagement, ownership, and collaboration in a servant-leadership, people-centric culture.
Desired Profile ( Skills & Competencies )
Experience & Leadership
* 15+ years of experience in technology leadership roles spanning people leadership, technology, and product delivery.
* Proven success in multi-site, multi-cultural, Agile product development environments.
* Demonstrated ability to operate effectively across R&D, Product, and System organizations.
Technical Expertise
* Strong background in robotics controllers, robot applications, simulation platforms, and system architectures.
* Solid understanding of software–hardware co-design, autonomy stacks, and system integration.
* Experience with Physical AI and AI-driven development is a strong advantage.
Execution & Quality
* Deep commitment to quality management systems and integrity standards.
* Hands-on experience applying AI and automation to reduce development effort, lead time, and defects.
* Strong system-thinking mindset with focus on industrial robustness and scalability.
Strategic & Collaborative Mindset
* Ability to translate high-level vision into actionable roadmaps and execution plans.
* Proven track record in building business value through innovation, with strong stakeholder engagement.
* Transparent, servant-leadership and Agile management style
We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit www.abb.com to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe.