Portrait of Kate-Feng Xu

What motivated me to choose a career in robotics?

I was approached about a specific role in ABB Robotics and at that time my impression of the field was that it was highly technology orientated to enable high levels of automation in different manufacturing environments. However, after joining the industry, I discovered that while it is about that it aims for so much more—an opportunity to enhance our lives at work and within society. The most impactful innovations in robotics stem from a blend of technological advancements, cost-effectiveness, efficiency gains, and safety benefits.

Biggest Inspiration and My Career Path

Early in my career, I worked as an R&D engineer in micro-electronics across China and Germany. In 2006, I transitioned to an HR role, focusing on talent management and organizational development. Since joining ABB Robotics R&D in 2017, I've held various positions both globally and locally. Two years ago, I began my current role as the Head of R&D in China.

Robotics integrates multiple technologies, including mechanical, electronics, and software development, making teamwork essential. Experts from diverse disciplines collaborate to design, build, and program robots, each contributing their unique expertise to the project's success. I enjoy working closely with my colleagues, asking questions, and fostering a safe and empowering environment for our teams.

I strongly believe in lifelong learning, which allows me to continuously expand my knowledge, skills, and perspectives. By staying curious and open to new ideas, we can enrich our understanding of the world and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of technology and innovation. I learn new skills every day through project meetings and technical discussions, and the endless opportunities for learning in robotics are truly fantastic.

Supporting Women and Girls to Choose Careers in STEM and Robotics

Despite the growing number of women in China’s scientific community, now at around 40 million, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions, accounting for only 10 percent.

As a member of the China Association of Automation, I was honored to deliver a keynote speech at the China National Female Scientist Forum last summer in Chifeng, Inner Mongolia. There, I joined over 100 distinguished women in science from diverse fields across the country to share ideas, progress, and insights on enhancing diversity and inclusiveness in our organizations.

During the forum, we brainstormed and ideated the “Girls in STEM” program, which was launched in late 2024 by ABB, the Chinese Society of Automation (CAA), the Chinese Society of Electrical Engineering (CSEE), and other partners, including the Association of Women Science and Technology Workers in Beijing, Shanghai, and Fujian Province. This initiative calls on society, academia, enterprises, and government to help female students aged 12-25 develop an interest in STEM and strengthen the cultivation of female science and technology talents through activities such as study tours, seminars, contests, and mentorship programs.

We held the first event in Beijing in January 2025, and the next event is scheduled for this summer in Shanghai.

Find out more about IFR's initiative "Women in Robotics".