This represents an increase of 21 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2022. In addition, it was the world market leader's strongest quarter to date in terms of sales. Annual sales in 2023 were $304 million, 7 percent less than in 2022.

The company's president, Kim Povlsen, says: "The year 2023 was characterized by a difficult economic and business environment for many of our core customers, as industrial activities slowed worldwide in the first half of the year. Nevertheless, we saw growth among our focus customers and in key segments, such as palletizing. The strategically important OEM channel also grew. We ended the year well and are entering 2024 with an excellent foundation for further growth."

In 2023, Universal Robots saw strong demand for the first of its heavy-payload cobots, the UR20, particularly for palletizing and welding applications. In November, Universal Robots launched the UR30, the second model in its new cobot series, which opens up new automation possibilities for its customers. The UR20 and UR30 together accounted for 30 percent of sales in the fourth quarter.