Iván Hernández Dalas: Transforming asset management with physical AI

Episode 239 of The Robot Report Podcast features Christian Pedersen, chief product officer at enterprise software provider IFS.

headshot of christian pedersen.

Christian Pedersen, chief product officer, IFS.

He drives the strategic vision for industrial AI and amplifies the technology leadership at IFS. In this role, Pedersen inspires customers about transformative possibilities, steers critical partnerships and strategic deliveries, and ensures that market insights directly inform IFS’s innovation roadmap.

His impressive track record includes serving as SAP’s global chief product officer, as well as 14 years in key positions at Microsoft, including general manager of enterprise resource planning. Throughout his career, Pedersen has ensured that products deliver industry-leading functionality that customers need, partners can proudly promote, and competitors cannot match.

This same drive extends to his personal pursuits, with passions for motor racing and sailing. Born in Denmark, Christian enjoys life with his family in Seattle when he’s not visiting IFS research and development sites around the world.

Show timeline

  • 6:47 – News of the week
  • 17:01 – Christian Pedersen, chief product officer at IFS

News of the week

IFR reports robot density increase across Europe, Asia, and the Americas

Factories worldwide are implementing more automation, according to the “World Robotics 2025” report from the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). The organization said the robot density, or number of units per 10,000 employees, has risen across three continents.

It noted that Western Europe, in particular, increased its robot density to 267 robots per 10,000 employees in 2024 — ahead of North America with 204 units and Asia with 131 units. Western European countries recorded a robot density increase of 3% year over year.

North America’s robot density rose by 4% in 2024, said the IFR. The U.S. ranked eighth worldwide, with 307 units per 10,000 employees. The report comes as U.S. lawmakers have increasingly turned their attention to robotics, AI, and industrial policy for competitiveness and national security.

Chart of the leading nations by robot adoption in 2024 from the International Federation of Robotics.

Chart of the leading nations by robot adoption in 2024 from the International Federation of Robotics.

New report: Setting the rules for robots in public spaces

The Robot Report features a new download from ASTM International, MassRobotics, NIST, and the Urban Robotics Foundation.

The report explores the growing gap between what robots can do and the systems needed to support them in shared human environments. It looks beyond the technology itself to examine the real-world challenges shaping deployment, including safety, accountability, public trust, and the lack of consistent rules.

Today, companies are navigating a fragmented landscape. Regulations vary by city. Responsibilities are often unclear. And expectations around how robots should behave in public spaces are still evolving. That creates friction not just for robotics developers, but for municipalities, businesses, and the public.

Register now for the 2026 Robotics Summit & Expo

Registration is now open for the Robotics Summit & Expo, the world’s leading technical event for commercial robotics developers. The event is produced by The Robot Report and WTWH Media.

>> LISTEN TO THE PODCAST EPISODE FOR A DISCOUNT CODE TO REGISTER! <<

The show will have more than 50 sessions in tracks on artificial intelligence, design and development, enabling technologies, healthcare, and logistics. The Engineering Theater on the show floor will also feature presentations by industry experts.

More than 70 speakers are confirmed from companies such as AWS, Brain Corp, Fictiv, Harmonic Drive, maxon, PickNik Robotics, RealSense, the Robotics and AI Institute, Robust AI, Tesla, Toyota Research Institute, and more.

The Robotics Summit will also feature a number of networking opportunities. They include a Mix & Mingle Networking Reception after the first day of the show and the ticketed RBR50 Awards Dinner.

The Robotics Summit & Expo is co-located with DeviceTalks Boston, which focuses on medical devices.

SITE AD for the 2026 Robotics Summit save the date.

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