The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) has honored eleven women for their significant contributions to the rapidly evolving field of robotics. This recognition comes as the industry anticipates substantial growth, with global industrial robotics installations projected to exceed 700,000 units by 2028, representing a compound annual growth rate of approximately 7% between 2025 and 2028 . The awards underscore a growing recognition of the importance of female participation in driving innovation and competitiveness within the robotics sector.
These accolades aren’t simply symbolic. Companies are actively developing strategies to benefit from the unique perspectives and skills women bring to the development of next-generation robotic systems. Success stories are emerging from across the Americas, Asia, and Europe, demonstrating how diverse teams are crucial for creating unbiased AI technology and expanding the applications of robotics beyond traditional manufacturing into areas like healthcare, elderly care, and consumer markets.
“Women are critical contributors in the fast‑growing field of robotics,” stated Dr. Susanne Bieller, General Secretary of the International Federation of Robotics. “This is clearly illustrated by diverse teams developing unbiased AI technology and next-generation robotics systems. These projects aim to open up new sectors for automation, not only in traditional manufacturing settings, but also in healthcare and elderly care, or in consumer markets.”
The increasing presence of women in the workforce is a broader trend, as highlighted by the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2025, which shows that women now comprise over 40% of the global workforce . Yet, representation varies significantly by industry. Whereas female participation exceeds 50% in consumer services, education, and care services, manufacturing lags behind, with women accounting for less than 35% of the workforce. This disparity is mirrored in STEM fields, where women represent less than 30% of the workforce.
Recognizing Leaders in Robotics
The IFR’s “Women Shaping the Future of Robotics” awards aim to address this imbalance by providing visibility and acknowledgment to female leaders in the field. The 2026 awardees, listed in alphabetical order, represent a diverse range of expertise and experience:
- Younseal Eum – AeiROBOT, South Korea
- Stefania Ferrero – Comau, Italy
- Christina Jørgensen – Universal Robots, Denmark
- Allison Krumpe – HealthTech Partners Global, USA
- Henrike Neulen – Intrinsic, Germany
- Asami Sasao – Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Japan
- Kristina Schunk – Schunk, Germany
- Mikell Taylor – General Motors, USA
- Susanne Timsjö – ABB Robotics, Sweden
- Dana Whalls – Association for Advancing Automation (A3), USA
- Prof. Rong Xiong – IPLUSMOBOT/ Zhejiang University, China
The IFR plans to publish detailed profiles of each awardee on its website, providing further insight into their contributions, and achievements. A summary is currently available here.
As the robotics industry continues to expand, fueled by advancements in AI and automation, the contributions of women will be increasingly vital. The IFR’s initiative highlights the importance of fostering a more inclusive and diverse environment within the field, ensuring that the next generation of robotic systems benefits from a wider range of perspectives and expertise. The growth of the autonomous mobile robot market, projected to reach significant levels by 2028 , will likely further accelerate the demand for skilled professionals, including women, in all aspects of robotics development and deployment.
The IFR congratulates all Women in Robotics 2026 and looks forward to seeing their continued impact on the future of automation.
What challenges and opportunities will these leaders face as they continue to shape the future of robotics? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
