Timo Gessmann

Global CTO at SCHUNK | Robotics · AI · Automation | Tech Entrepreneur & Thought Leader | Founder

Stuttgart Region

About

Global technology leader with 20+ years of experience driving Customer centric innovation, digital transformation and business growth in high-tech industries – from automotive, industrial automation, electronics, life science, logistics, aerospace enabled by mechanics, software, IoT and AI. Global responsibility for: • Technology & Innovation Management • Research & Development • AI and Digital Strategy & Transformation • Information Technology & Cybersecurity • Global Innovation & Technology Hubs • P&L responsibility 🤖 Drive global technology strategy: Humanoid Robotics · AI · Automation · Digital Transformation · IoT · Cloud 🌍 Build and lead international teams across cultures, time zones and continents 🔗 Bridge technology and business — making complex innovation tangible and commercially powerful 🚀 Execute with speed — from strategic vision to factory floor Passionate about developing scalable, future-ready products and services based on cutting-edge technologies. I build ecosystems, explore new business models and lead cross-functional, international teams – always combining strategic vision with hands-on execution. • Strong entrepreneurial mindset and cross-domain leadership • Driving change with impact – in both stable and disruptive environments • AI & GenAI strategies for value-add products, services and efficient processes • Innovation through collaboration – internally and across partner networks • Digital ecosystem development and business model innovation

Experience

  • SCHUNK - Hand in hand for tomorrow (7 yrs)
    • Founder SCHUNK Humanoid Robotics
      Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

      Tech SpinOff for Humanoid Robotics www.shr-robotics.eu

    • Chief Technology Officer - Member of the Management Board
      May 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 2 mos

      Global responsibility for Research & Development, IT and Digital Transformation: ▸ Leading AI, Robotics & Automation initiatives that redefine intelligent manufacturing ▸ Leading Global R&D and Technology Hubs ▸ Building and mentoring high-performance technology teams internationally ▸ Connecting physical product excellence with digital intelligence - IoT, Physical AI, Cloud, and beyond ▸ Driving cultural transformation: from technology adoption to data-driven decision-making across the organization Building and leading Customer centric international R&D teams and scaling global technology development across all regions. Driving AI & GenAI strategies, platform development and digital product innovation for profitable growth and continuous increase in efficiency and productivity. Establishing a resilient global supply chain and partner ecosystem – connecting customers, partners and suppliers worldwide. Enabling a future-proof, scalable technology platform and fostering economic, resilient and international product development. Shaping the digital future of industrial automation through technology, leadership and ecosystem collaboration.

    • Chief Technology Officer
      Feb 2020 - Present · 6 yrs 5 mos

      Research & Development Technology & Innovation Management Digital and AI Strategy Digital Transformation System Engineering Mechanics Devolpment Software Development Digital Products and Services Project Management Intellectual Property Management Quality Management Partnering & Alliances Start-ups & Ventures People, Culture, Education, Strategy, Organization Leadership Digital Processes Digital Infrastructure

  • Director Bosch IoT Lab @ETH Zürich, University of St. Gallen (HSG) at Bosch Software Innovations
    Sep 2016 - Jun 2019 · 2 yrs 10 mos

    IoT Innovation Lab - a cooperation of University St. Gallen (HSG), ETH Zürich and Bosch www.iot-lab.ch IoT Strategy, Business and Product Development Digital Transformation and Organization of large manufacturing companies Servitization of large manufacturing companies Business Model Innovation IoT Innovation Management Exploration & Exploitation of IoT Products and Services Focus areas • Connected Mobility • Smart Living and Working • Digital Health • Energy & Industry 4.0 • IoT Business Model Innovation • Blockchain Technology, Distributed Ledger Technology • BigData & Artificial Intelligence • Smart Products & Smart Services

  • Founder Corporate Start-Up IoT & Blockchain Solutions at Bosch
    Sep 2017 - May 2019 · 1 yr 9 mos

    www.bosch-digital.ch

  • Bosch Engineering GmbH (14 yrs 8 mos)
    • Head of Product & Project Management and Innovation & Business Development
      2009 - Aug 2016 · 7 yrs 8 mos

      Founding and establishing new business fields and organizations. New product areas like Electric vehicles, cross-domain applications, functional safety & emedded security and Internet of Things (IoT) for automotive and non-automotive (Off-Highway, Aviation, Rail) applications.

    • Senior Project Manager
      2005 - 2009 · 4 yrs

      Senior Project Manager embedded Software and Hardware Development

    • Software Engineer and Technical SW Project coordinator embedded systems
      2002 - 2005 · 3 yrs

  • Founder & Self-employed at IT- und Telekommunikationsberatung, SW-Entwicklung
    1998 - 2002 · 4 yrs

    ERP SW development for small business companies; IT Consulting Services