Inspiring Women Leading the Future of AI, Robotics, and Automation

As artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation continue to reshape industries and redefine the boundaries of innovation, the contributions of visionary women in these fields are proving indispensable. During February, SiliconRepublic.com has spotlighted these sectors, highlighting the women whose groundbreaking work is not only advancing technology but also paving the way for future generations. Here are eight remarkable women whose careers you should follow closely.

Clionadh Martin: Revolutionizing Retail Through Robotics

Clionadh Martin stands at the forefront of retail innovation with her pioneering work in mobile robotics. As the founder of Coalescent Mobile Robotics, she developed a high-tech platform specifically designed to tackle the unique challenges faced by the retail industry. Her expertise extends beyond entrepreneurship—she currently serves as the head of robotics at Template Systems, consults on robotics go-to-market strategies for Clio Consulting, and dedicates her time to inspiring the next generation through workshops with High5Girls, mentoring young girls aged 13 to 16 in robotics.

Her contributions have earned her significant recognition, including the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Nordic Women in Tech Awards. Martin’s work exemplifies how targeted innovation can transform traditional industries and create new opportunities for growth.

Enrika Moore: Pushing Boundaries in Machine Vision and Robotics

Enrika Moore has rapidly established herself as a formidable force in robotics and artificial intelligence. As co-founder and chief operating officer of Viska Systems, a Cork-based company specializing in machine vision and robotics, Moore has demonstrated exceptional leadership in leveraging cutting-edge technologies including machine learning, deep learning, and advanced robotics.

Viska Systems develops sophisticated solutions addressing complex challenges across multiple industries—from medical devices and automotive manufacturing to semiconductors and food and beverage production. Her innovative approach earned her the Network Ireland STEM Professional of the Year Award, recognizing her significant contributions to advancing technological solutions in critical sectors.

India and Portia Healy O’Connor: Sisters Revolutionizing Healthcare with AI

The Healy O’Connor sisters have captured attention with their health-tech startup Linda AI, which recently secured €2.6 million in pre-seed investment to scale their agentic AI platform designed specifically for dental practices. Their venture addresses critical industry pain points, including lost bookings and wasted capacity, demonstrating how targeted AI solutions can optimize healthcare delivery.

This marks their third successful startup venture. Their first company, Xelda, evolved from a cashless payments platform into a leader in pre-accounting automation, backed by Sequoia Capital and the founders of Irish unicorn Flipdish. Their second venture, Curie, developed an AI transcription program tailored for the medical sector. The sisters’ entrepreneurial journey, which includes previous experience at Goldman Sachs, showcases their ability to identify market needs and develop innovative technological solutions.

Kateryna Portmann: Shaping the Future of Robotics in Switzerland

Kateryna Portmann leads advanced robotics development as a senior product manager at Anybotics, a Zurich-based robot manufacturer. Her influence extends throughout the robotics community—she serves as Swiss chapter co-lead for Women in Robotics, teaches robotics and physical AI for the Fast Future Executive program, and lectures at HWZ University of Applied Sciences in Business Administration Zurich.

In 2025, the International Federation of Robotics recognized Portmann as one of ten women shaping the future of the industry, highlighting her significant contributions to advancing robotic technologies and fostering diversity in the field.

Rebecca Keenan: Driving Digital Transformation at Expleo

Rebecca Keenan serves as the global head of intelligent automation at Expleo, where she spearheads digital transformation initiatives focusing on AI, automation, and data innovation. Her leadership was instrumental in launching Expleo’s Global AI Centre of Excellence, positioning the organization at the cutting edge of technological advancement.

Keenan’s exceptional contributions have earned her multiple prestigious awards, including AI Leader of the Year at the Business Post’s Leadership Excellence Awards, a Tech Leader award at the Diversity in Tech Awards, and the Fidelity WMB Woman in Technology Award. Notably, she was featured three times in the Business Post’s 30 under 30: The Ones to Watch in Irish Tech list before turning 30. Beyond her professional achievements, Keenan founded a women in technology employee resource group at Expleo, creating pathways for women to thrive in the tech industry.

Sabine Hauert: Engineering Swarms for Humanity

Sabine Hauert, associate professor of swarm engineering at the University of Bristol, conducts groundbreaking research focused on making swarms work for people. Her work spans from nanorobots used in cancer treatments to larger robots deployed for environmental monitoring and logistics. Swarm engineering—where multiple robots collaborate as cohesive units to accomplish tasks that would be challenging or inefficient for individual robots—represents a frontier in robotics that Hauert is helping to define.

Before joining academia, Hauert engineered swarms of nanoparticles for cancer treatment at MIT, bringing practical experience to her research. She serves as president and co-founder of Robohub.org and executive trustee of AIhub.org, non-profit organizations dedicated to connecting robotics and AI communities with the public. Her expertise is widely recognized, leading to invitations to speak at prestigious venues including the European Parliament and the Royal Society about the future of robotics and AI.

Sara Hooker: Democratizing Artificial Intelligence

Sara Hooker, co-founder of AI platform Adaption, has established herself as a leading voice in making artificial intelligence accessible and beneficial to broader audiences. Her influence in the field was recognized when she was included on Time Magazine’s list of the most influential people in AI. Currently, she serves on Kaggle’s ML Advisory Research Board and on the World Economic Forum council on the Future of Artificial Intelligence and Data Frontiers.

Hooker is a passionate advocate for AI democratization. Her career includes leading Cohere Labs, a research laboratory focused on solving complex machine learning problems, and serving as a research scientist at Google Brain (now DeepMind). Her current venture, Adaption Labs, recently secured $50 million in funding, demonstrating strong investor confidence in her vision for accessible, impactful AI solutions.

Tags & Viral Phrases:
Women in AI, Robotics Revolution, Automation Leaders, Future of Technology, Tech Innovation, Female Founders, AI Transformation, Robotics Engineering, Digital Disruption, Healthcare AI, Swarm Intelligence, Machine Learning, Tech Diversity, SiliconRepublic, Women in STEM, Next-Gen Robotics, AI Democratization, Tech Trailblazers, Innovation Ecosystem, Digital Transformation, Emerging Technologies, Tech Entrepreneurship, Robotics Startups, AI Ethics, Future of Work, Tech Mentorship, Women in Robotics, AI Research, Automation Solutions, Tech Awards, Healthcare Technology, Environmental Robotics, Medical AI, Tech Education, Investment in AI, Tech Leadership, Women Shaping Tech, AI for Good, Robotics Education, Tech Community, Silicon Valley Women, Global Tech Leaders, AI Ethics and Governance, Tech Career Development, Innovation Awards, Women in Tech Movement, Future Technology Trends, Tech Industry Recognition, AI Platform Development, Robotics Research, Tech Industry Diversity, Women Tech Founders, AI and Automation, Tech Industry Awards, Emerging Tech Leaders, Tech Innovation Awards, Women in Technology, Tech Industry Recognition, AI Research Labs, Tech Industry Diversity, Women in Tech Movement, Future Technology Trends, Tech Industry Recognition, AI Platform Development, Robotics Research, Tech Industry Diversity, Women Tech Founders, AI and Automation, Tech Industry Awards, Emerging Tech Leaders, Tech Innovation Awards

,