Portrait of Kateryna Portmann

Kateryna Portmann – Visionary Leader in Robotics, AI, and Ethical Innovation

Kateryna Portmann is a visionary leader at the forefront of robotics and AI governance. As a Senior Product Manager at ANYbotics, a global pioneer in autonomous legged robots for industrial inspection, Kateryna plays a key role in shaping the responsible development and deployment of AI-powered robotics. She leads the Sandbox AI collaboration, fostering innovation across industries, and is spearheading ANYbotics’ ISO 42001 initiative, aiming to set a global benchmark in AI management systems.

Her work bridges technical innovation and ethical leadership, ensuring that intelligent systems are built on trust, transparency, and accountability. Kateryna’s commitment to responsible AI is demonstrated through her leadership of the AI Governance Roundtable at AI House Davos, where she brought together thought leaders from across sectors to shape the future of responsible AI.

In addition to her role at ANYbotics, Kateryna is the newly appointed Lead of the Robotics Initiative at Women in AI Governance, where she advocates for ethical innovation in robotics. She is also honored as one of the Women in Robotics – Share the Future 2025 by the International Federation of Robotics, recognizing her profound impact in advancing inclusive and human-centric technology.

Driven by a mission to ensure that robotics and AI solve real-world problems with integrity, safety, and purpose, Kateryna continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, blending cutting-edge technology with ethical practices.

My Motivation: A Childhood Dream in Robotics

Hello, my name is Kateryna Portmann, and I am truly honored to be recognized as one of the women shaping the future of robotics. My journey into this field began in Ukraine, where I was raised in an environment where there were no limits on what boys and girls could achieve. For me, math was not just a subject to study—it was celebrated. From an early age, I was fascinated by how things worked, especially robots. I didn't see any gap or societal expectation telling me that robotics or technology weren’t for girls.

I grew up dreaming of robots as toys, while others might have been focused on dolls and teddy bears. I wanted to understand the mechanisms behind how these robots moved and worked. Yet, despite my strong desire for technology-focused toys, I ended up with the usual, non-technical gifts. But even so, I never let that stop me. I found ways to explore and learn on my own. I was determined to follow my passion for technology, and as I look back, I realize that this curiosity fueled my entire career.

Why Robotics?

Choosing robotics was natural for me. It was more than just a hobby; it was a calling. I wanted to combine my love for technology with the potential to create real change in the world. Robotics has always fascinated me because it sits at the intersection of hardware and software, of engineering and creativity. There’s a magic in seeing an idea come to life—seeing something that once existed only in the imagination being brought to reality through innovation.

When I started my academic journey, the world of robotics was still emerging. Back in the early 2000s, robotics wasn’t as widely accessible as it is now. The technology was not as advanced, and fields like AI (artificial intelligence) were still in their early stages. It was an exciting time, but also a time of uncertainty for me as a young woman entering a male-dominated field. I began to face subtle biases, with some people questioning whether robotics and engineering were “appropriate” professions for women. These doubts crept in, and for a while, I started to believe that I might not belong in this world.

But deep down, I knew that robotics needed people from all backgrounds. It needed diversity, creativity, and unique perspectives. Even though I wasn’t studying engineering, I realized that I could contribute to the field in my own way. Robotics isn’t only for engineers—it’s about creating solutions for people. My passion for technology led me to focus on the intersection of technology and human needs, which led me to my current role in product management.

A Non-Technical Path in Robotics

In my career, I chose a different route to contribute to the field. Instead of becoming an engineer, I decided to become a Product Manager in robotics. This choice allowed me to leverage my background in management and strategy, where I focus on understanding user needs, market demands, and how technology can create meaningful, human-centered solutions.

In robotics, engineers develop the technology, but non-technical Product Managers play a vital role by ensuring the technology is accessible, relevant, and impactful. As a Product Manager, I focus on ensuring that the technology developed doesn’t just exist for the sake of innovation but serves real people in practical, tangible ways. This role requires creativity, empathy, and communication—skills that, although not rooted in technical expertise, are just as important in the world of robotics.

The beauty of product management in robotics is that we get to see how technology can truly transform lives. It’s about understanding how the tech can help improve everything from healthcare to manufacturing to personal mobility. Even if I wasn’t designing robots, I knew I could help make them work better for people. And this realization gave me the clarity to push forward with confidence.

What Inspires Me: Changing the Narrative for Women in STEM

As I moved forward in my career, I became increasingly aware of the significant underrepresentation of women in the STEM fields, particularly in robotics. This inspired me to take action. I realized that diversity is essential to innovation and that women have a unique role to play in shaping the future of technology. I’m proud to be actively involved in initiatives like Women in Robotics, where we work to create more opportunities for women and girls in the field.

Through programs like the World Robotics Olympiad and the Girls Award, I support initiatives aimed at encouraging young girls to pursue STEM and robotics. I’ve also written an inspirational book designed to show young girls that they, too, can succeed in robotics and technology. When I look at young girls eager to explore technology, I see a bright future—a future where girls are no longer discouraged from entering these fields but are instead inspired to lead.

One of the most fulfilling moments in my journey came when I brought my younger sister to a Future Day event at ANYbotics, the company I work for. Watching her eyes light up as she learned about robotics firsthand reminded me of the importance of early exposure and mentorship. It reinforced my belief that the future of technology is shaped by those who are given the right tools, guidance, and inspiration from the start. This is why I remain so passionate about opening doors for young girls and showing them that they can build a future in technology.

Lifelong Learning: Embracing AI and New Technologies

One of the things that continues to inspire me about robotics is how rapidly the field is evolving. When I first started, AI was still in its infancy. Now, it’s a driving force behind much of what we do in robotics, and it has the potential to revolutionize entire industries. While AI wasn’t something I could have studied in-depth back in the early 2000s, I’ve seen how it has transformed the landscape of robotics—and I’m excited about the possibilities it holds for the future.

What excites me most about AI and robotics is that there’s always something new to learn. Technology is always advancing, and the only way to stay relevant is through lifelong learning. I embrace this as a core principle of my career and personal development. In fact, AI and robotics are fields where continuous learning is not just a choice but a necessity. The knowledge I have today may become outdated tomorrow, and that’s why I continue to invest in learning, staying curious, and adapting to new technologies.

This is a message I want to share with others, especially young women: Never stop learning. The world of technology is constantly changing, and so should we. If you are passionate about something, keep learning. Keep growing. The opportunities are endless.

Balancing Career and Family: You Can Have It All

A challenge many women face, especially in the tech industry, is balancing career aspirations with family life. I want to address this directly: You don’t have to choose between family, children, and a successful career. I know the pressures women face to “pick one,” but it is possible to build a fulfilling career in robotics and technology while maintaining a happy family life. I’ve learned that finding the right balance comes from prioritizing what matters most and seeking support when necessary. You don’t have to do it alone, and it’s okay to ask for help.

As women, we can break down the stereotypes that limit us. We can excel in both our professional careers and our personal lives. The key is to understand that you don't have to sacrifice one for the other. With determination, support, and a willingness to adapt, we can achieve both.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Robotics Together

Looking ahead, I see a world where women are not just participants in the tech and robotics industries—they are leading them. The field of robotics needs women’s creativity, empathy, and diverse perspectives. Technology isn’t just about coding and engineering; it’s about creating solutions that make life better for everyone. Robotics is about innovation for humanity, and women have so much to offer in shaping this future.

I am deeply honored by the recognition I’ve received, but what motivates me most is the opportunity to pave the way for the next generation of women in robotics. I am committed to ensuring that every girl, every woman, knows that they have a place in this field and that they can shape the future of technology. The world of robotics is waiting for your ideas, your innovations, and your leadership.

Thank you.

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