Denise Stafford

After nearly 20 years on the OEM side of robotics, I now help manufacturers navigate the practical realities of industrial automation. While my background gives me a deep understanding of the machinery, I typically leave the pure technical engineering to other experts. Instead, I use my technical knowledge to solve the human challenges that arise when new systems hit the shop floor. I am a huge believer in technology, but even the most advanced robotics don't operate in a vacuum. When friction happens, it’s rarely just a technical flaw—it’s a disconnect between the engineering plan and the reality on the floor. As an "Automation Realist," my goal is to bridge the gap between "Work-as-Imagined" on the whiteboard and "Work-as-Done" by the operators. My work centers on Human-Centric Automation and Industry 5.0—focusing on how technology and people can collaborate. HOW I HELP: • The Human Side of CapEx: For SMEs automating for the first time, I act as an independent sounding board. I evaluate how a proposed system will impact day-to-day workflows to ensure your adoption strategy sets your people up for success. • Deployment & Adoption Support: Working with System Integrators and manufacturers, I smooth out the adoption process. By addressing cognitive ergonomics and natural hesitation, we reduce friction and help teams adapt faster. • Fostering Collaboration: I help build a "Social Operating System" where frontline workers, engineers, and leadership all have a voice. Cultivating workforce insights early on leads to sustainable, efficient outcomes. Ultimately, whether deploying robotics or improving operational culture, I help build environments where systems support and elevate the people using them.

Promote and support sales growth for KUKA mobile robot products in North America • Drive and support the regional sales teams to increase of mobile robotic sales • Build and grow an integrator network for mobility • Promote KUKA mobile robot technology through speaking engagements at trade shows and events, article publication, podcasts and other marketing tools • Collaborate proactively with development teams in Germany and China to align customer requirements

North American representative for introducing new KUKA technology to the market • Managing the mobile robotics technology center (demonstration, feasibility studies, application development) • Monitor and support the regional teams to increase advanced robotic sales • Coordinating the establishment of structures and processes for the new products within the existing organization

Business development for mobile robotics in America and Asia • Introduce new products to the market by support with training, information, presentation material and customer visits • Centrally manage projects from the headquarters • Pricing directives and negotiation support • Comprehensively analyze customer requirements and formulate strategic business plans for development of new products and product features • Coordination of new developments with product management and R&D

Set-up research sales for collaborative robot and research platform products • Managing 3 employees for customer support, product management and sales • Complete product, sales and profit responsibility for the research mobile platform • Achieved a threefold increase in annual sales of the mobile research platform, reaching 90 units, and secured the the highest number of collaborative robot sales in the inaugural year of market entry

Sales responsibility for Key Customer SIEMENS Healthcare • Coordination of business development, project management and R&D for customized medical robot line for SIEMENS Healthcare • Responsible for business plan development, P&L calculation, forecasting, and pricing

Product and project management for medical robots

Sales responsibility for Automotive Customers with Headquarters in Asia • Supporting KUKA India and KUKA China with technical and sales information, company and product presentations • Internal coordination of orders and deliveries • Travel to customer sites, supporting negotiations, sales and transfer price directives

Global responsibility for robotic inline measurement solutions for automotive customers • Responsible for developing business plans, evaluating projects incl. P&L calculations, quotations and negotiations with end customers and integrators • Cross team coordination between sales, project management, service and R&D to execute the projects involving the end customer and integrators • Coordination and negotiations with the sensor supplier

Supported the execution of large-scale framework agreements with major automotive OEMs, learning the complexities of high-volume industrial project management.

Established the company’s first patent department to organize and protect internal innovation and intellectual property.

Workshops on creative problem-solving and learning strategies.