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The right drive solution is the result of collaboration. That is what makes the GEORGII KOBOLD Group so strong.
What connects GEORGII KOBOLD, esitron, and Mattke within the GEORGII KOBOLD Group? Technical expertise, many years of experience, and a shared passion for drive technology and automation.
As the GEORGII KOBOLD Group, we combine the expertise of GEORGII KOBOLD, Mattke, and esitron. Three companies with their own strengths, different perspectives, and a shared commitment: to find the right technical solution for our customers.
In our new interview, Andreas Vonderschmidt, Dr. Stefan Vonderschmidt, Dennis Raiser, and Simon Hübner share personal insights into their views on technology, entrepreneurship, client projects, and the challenges of everyday industrial life. 5 questions—5 answers: authentic, direct, and with a touch of humor.
1. Question: After all these years in the industry, what still excites you about your work?
Andreas
What excites me is being faced with new challenges time and again – and finding ways to overcome them. There is a special satisfaction in knowing that you have mastered a challenge. I particularly enjoy seeing a customer’s idea turn into a drive solution that is a perfect fit through working together and exploring possibilities. And then, later on, knowing that it is reliably doing its job somewhere in the world.
Stefan
What excites me is that, while experience is enormously important, it is never enough to simply rest on your laurels. Every new application, every technological development and every customer brings new questions and challenges. Being able to draw on our experience and work together to develop something that genuinely makes a difference in practical applications is still a great source of motivation for me.
Dennis
Technology is constantly evolving, but one thing never changes: every application comes with its own challenges. That’s exactly what I find exciting. I also enjoy meeting people who come to us with a problem and leave with a solution. For me, that’s the best part of what we do.
Simon
The variety. In the morning, I’m talking to a customer about a special-purpose solution, at lunchtime it’s all about process optimisation, and in the afternoon we’re discussing a new product idea. One thing is certain: our industry is never boring. And, quite honestly, when the first machine successfully starts running after months of development work, it still feels fantastic.
2. Question: What quality should a good automation or drive technology expert definitely have?
Andreas
The ability to listen. It may sound simple, but it is often underestimated. The best technical solutions rarely emerge from sitting at a desk. They come from understanding what the customer really needs. And sometimes it turns out that the actual problem lies somewhere entirely different from where everyone initially thought.
Stefan
The ability to look beyond your own area of expertise. If you only focus on your own component, you can easily overlook the real potential of a solution. Good drive technology is created when mechanics, electronics and control systems work together seamlessly – and when you are willing to share your knowledge with others.
Dennis
Pragmatism. Of course, we love technology. But ultimately, a solution has to be economical, reliable and easy to maintain. The most impressive technical concept is of no use to anyone if it doesn’t work in everyday operation.
Simon
Curiosity. Anyone who thinks they already know everything has lost their edge in our industry. Technologies are constantly evolving. Good engineers ask questions. Excellent engineers ask the right questions.
3. Question: Which customer enquiry has particularly stayed with you?
Andreas
A customer once approached us looking for a motor that could transmit power around a corner, had to be made of stainless steel and needed water cooling. The result was a two-stage planetary bevel gear motor in hygienic design with water cooling. Quite an exotic combination! But it’s a great feeling when you eventually see it running in the machine.
Stefan
The projects that stay with me most are those where there is no off-the-shelf solution. When the requirements are demanding and it is not immediately clear how best to implement them, that’s when the strength of an experienced team really comes into play. I enjoy exploring possibilities together rather than jumping to the conclusion that something cannot be done.
Dennis
One enquiry started with the words: “This probably isn’t possible at all.” Whenever a conversation starts like that, it makes me curious. In the end, it turned into a successful project. These are exactly the kinds of challenges I enjoy.
Simon
Projects involving several different disciplines are particularly exciting. That’s when you really see the value of bringing different perspectives together. And sometimes, the best idea really does come from the coffee machine rather than the meeting room.
4. Question: If you had to describe your company philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?
Andreas
I bring technology and people together, because great technology moves more than just machines.
Stefan
Technical expertise is not about how complicated a solution is, but about how well it meets the customer’s needs.
Dennis
You know a technical solution is good when the customer no longer has to worry about it.
Simon
Innovation doesn’t happen by chance. It takes curiosity, experience and the willingness to explore new paths.
5. Question: What technology would you like to invent one day?
Andreas
A machine that automatically detects when someone hasn’t read the operating manual.
Stefan
A technology that tells me exactly where the problem lies in a drive system and shows me how I can improve the next generation of drives.
But with AI evolving so rapidly, I don’t think it will be long before this technology becomes available.
Dennis
A sensor that reliably predicts which customer enquiry will turn into an order. 😉
Simon
A project plan that updates itself automatically whenever a deadline gets closer.