Hans Wester

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About

Hans Wester is a leading voice in the evolving landscape of industrial robotics, with a sharp focus on the intersection of technology and business model innovation. His work critically examines the paradigm shift from traditional product-centered sales to performance-based models, such as leasing and pay-per-use, which promise to democratize automation for small and medium enterprises. Wester’s seminal paper, “The future of industrial robot business: Product or performance based?” (2018), has garnered 15 citations and serves as a foundational text for understanding how servitization is reshaping procurement strategies in manufacturing. By forecasting the decline of outright robot purchases and the rise of flexible, outcome-driven contracts, he has provided a roadmap for both industry practitioners and academics. His research not only highlights the economic and operational benefits of these new models but also addresses the strategic challenges firms face in transitioning from hardware sales to integrated service offerings. Wester’s contributions are essential reading for anyone studying the digital transformation of industrial ecosystems, making him a key figure in the discourse on sustainable, accessible automation.