Robert Schmidt is a Visiting Student Researcher at the Distributed Information and Automation Laboratory (DIAL) at the Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, working under the supervision of Prof. Duncan McFarlane. His work in Cambridge focuses on the low-cost digitalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as part of the Digital Manufacturing on a Shoestring project, where he examines how SMEs can adopt digital technologies effectively.

Robert is completing his M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering and Management at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), with a focus on digital transformation. His broader research interests lie at the intersection of digital technologies, AI, and firm strategy. This builds on his master's thesis on Digital Twins, conducted in collaboration with ETH Zurich as part of the ETH-HSG Manufacturing Alliance.

Prior to joining DIAL, Robert gained experience in management consulting and technology through roles at Porsche Consulting, Robert Bosch, SAP, and DalRae Solutions. Outside of work, Robert enjoys travelling, having spent extended time in Australia, and organising board game nights with friends.