Co-creator for the future of robotics: World Robotics Association presents award to Dr.-Ing. Caren Dripke

‘I am very pleased with this appreciation. Not just for me personally, but for the entire Lorch Schweißtechnik team. After all, the award shows that we all do a very good job together. I find it particularly remarkable that we received the award not as a manufacturer of robots or as a special technology developer for robots, but as an integrator with a special industry topic. That's really great,’ says Dripke. Lorch Schweißtechnik, a pioneer in the field of inverter welding, is now also a leader in the field of cobot welding and, under the leadership of Caren Dripke, is constantly expanding the functions and technical possibilities of the welding cobot with the Lorch Cobot Welding World. In addition to industrial applications, the aim is to make it as easy as possible for small and medium-sized businesses to access welding automation.  In this way, they too can meet the constantly increasing market requirements and better counteract the growing shortage of skilled labour.

Caren Dripke has been fascinated by technology and production processes since she was a child. Influenced by manual role models in her family environment, she first studied technical cybernetics after graduating from high school, completed her master's degree in mechatronics and completed her doctorate in engineering summa cum laude in 2021. She has been Head of Department for the Development of Robotics, Industrial Robotics and Cobot Solutions at Lorch Schweißtechnik GmbH since 2021 and a member of the Management Board since 2024. 

With her work, Caren Dripke also wants to show that women do not have to be unusual in the field of technology and can be just as successful in management positions as their male colleagues: ‘Welding, even more than robotics, is a very male-dominated field. Unfortunately, there are few visible female talents and role models, which reinforces the idea that this is not a profession for women. I am happy to be one of the examples that prove the opposite, with a lot of passion for what I do, with really positive and supportive feedback from my environment and a successful product. I am very sure that we can all benefit from more female talent, be it in engineering, robotics or welding.’

The IFR (International Federation of Robotics) was founded in 1987 as a non-profit organisation and connects the world of robotics around the globe. Since 2024, the federation has honoured 10 women annually with the IFR Award ‘IFR's 10 Women Shaping the Future of Robotics in 2025’. The selection criteria include contributions and achievements in the field of robotics that drive the industry forward, as well as activities to encourage young women to choose a career in STEM subjects or robotics.

‘We are very happy to have Caren Dripke as an award winner in our ranks, as it is a confirmation of our team- and employee-centred corporate culture. The award is an example of Lorch's unrivalled innovative strength, which is largely driven by our employees,’ says a delighted Jens Gauder, Managing Director of Lorch Schweißtechnik, about the award for Caren Dripke.