11 Women Leading the Future of Robotics in 2026

The robotics industry just got a much-needed spotlight on the women driving innovation forward.

The International Federation of Robotics announced its list of 11 women shaping the future of robotics in 2026. The recognition comes at a crucial time, as women currently make up only 16% of engineers despite representing over 40% of the global workforce.

These leaders are making waves across continents and industries. Younseal Eum leads AeiROBOT in South Korea, developing general-purpose robots that could work in any environment. Stefania Ferrero guides industrial automation solutions at Italy's Comau, while Christina Jørgensen helps bring collaborative robots to workplaces across Northern and Eastern Europe.

In healthcare, Allison Krumpe helps medical technology startups grow through HealthTech Partners Global. Meanwhile, Henrike Neulen develops robotics software and AI at Google's Intrinsic division, working on the smart systems that will power tomorrow's robots.

The manufacturing world is represented too. Asami Sasao designs industrial robot arms at Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan. Kristina Schunk runs Germany's Schunk Group, a major player in gripping and automation technology.

Mikell Taylor directs robotics strategy at General Motors, applying lessons from her time at both startups and Amazon. Susanne Timsjö manages ABB Robotics across the Nordic region, bringing robot arms and autonomous mobile robots to new customers.

Rounding out the list are Dana Whalls, who leads events for the Association for Advancing Automation, and Professor Rong Xiong, who co-founded Chinese autonomous mobile robot provider IPLUSMOBOT.

The Ripple Effect

Dr. Susanne Bieller, the IFR's general secretary, emphasized why this matters beyond recognition. Diverse teams develop more unbiased AI technology and create robotics systems that serve wider populations. These women are opening automation to new sectors like healthcare, elderly care, and consumer markets that traditional manufacturing-focused robots never reached.

When women help design robots, the technology becomes more inclusive and useful for everyone. Their perspectives ensure automation serves real human needs, from helping surgeons perform delicate procedures to supporting aging populations who want to stay independent longer.

Taylor will share her insights at the Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston this May. Her keynote, "What Makes a Robot Worthy?" draws on years at companies big and small to push the industry toward meaningful growth instead of endless pilot programs that never scale.

The future of robotics looks brighter when everyone has a seat at the table building it.