Meet Thor Ellegaard Hansen, Our new Program Manager of Robotics and Automation
As we step into the future, Odense has a mission to use the power of robotics for the benefit of our residents. From enhancing public services to fostering innovation, we are on a mission to make our municipality a hub of technological progress and inclusivity for future generations.
From January 2024, Thor Ellegaard Hansen joined Invest in Odense in a new role as Program Manager of the World’s leading Robotics city, where he will have a straight focus on developing and implementing a strategic vision for the municipality’s use of technology, and pinpoint how technology will shape the future of the city.
’’Looking forward to collaborating with a talented team, partners and the entire community to shape a future that’s both cutting-edge and community-driven. Let’s embark on this exciting journey together. I am super grateful for this incredible opportunity to contribute to the intersection of people, technology, and partnership growth in the World’s Leading Robotics City‘’
Four Key elements
The new role as Program Manager of The Worlds leading Robotics City will consist of four key elements:
Collaboration
Foster partnerships and collaborations with local businesses, academic institutions, and tech organizations to leverage expertise, resources, and innovative solutions in the field.
Policy Development
Work with stakeholders to establish policies and regulations governing the use of robotics in public spaces. Ensure compliance with ethical standards, privacy concerns, and legal regulations.
Community Engagament
Engage with the community to gather input, address concerns, and promote understanding of how robotics initiatives can positively impact residents’ lives.
Public Awareness
Develop and execute communication strategies to raise public awareness about the benefits and safety measures associated with robotics in the municipality.
Collaboration is key for success
The collaboration aspect is key and involves building partnerships and working with various entities to enhance the municipality’s capabilities in the field of robotics. Forging partnerships with local businesses, especially those involved in robotics, automation, and technology development. Collaborate on joint projects, share expertise, and explore opportunities for local businesses to contribute to and benefit from municipal initiatives. Involving local business communities in the development and implementation of robotics projects.
This could include forming advisory committees, conducting public forums, and seeking input to ensure that the community’s needs and concerns are addressed. Explore opportunities for public-private partnerships where private companies contribute resources, expertise, or funding to municipal robotics projects facilitating the implementation of larger-scale initiatives with shared benefits. Fostering a collaborative ecosystem around robotics and technology in Odense.
To succeed, it requires close collaborations with the other parts of a triple helix. Research institutions and government agencies at different levels, share best practices and collaborate on projects that have broader regional or national significance. Engage in research projects, leverage academic expertise, and create internship programs that allow students to gain real-world experience in municipal robotics applications. This can lead to the creation of standardized approaches to robotics implementation and policy development.
Please welcome Thor.
Further information
Thor Ellegaard
Program Manager of Robotics and Automation
I work to secure the knowledge and skillset of our future global workforce. Collaborating with local, national, and global robotics and tech companies to build the absolute best Robotics School K-12 in the world. As a Program Manager in the field of Robotics and Automation for the City of Odense, my main objective is to create mutually beneficial public-private partnerships.