Portrait of Nadja Schmiedl

My Motivation

I am proud to have been nominated as one of the 10 Women Shaping the Future of Robotics by the International Federation of Robotics and I am grateful for this opportunity to convey my vision.

As a child, I was already involved in my parents' family business, where I first encountered technology. This early contact has inspired in me a passion for working on technological advances that have a significant impact on human development. Therefore, I began with a Diploma in Industrial Engineering with a focus on Business Administration and Mechanical Engineering, followed by a PhD in Engineering as an Industrial Engineer. Various roles in Technology Strategy, Lean Management and Organizational Development eventually led me to the field of Robotics at the very young startup company United Robotics Group.

What has driven me in the further course of my life is the interface between humans and technology. I am convinced that this topic will continue to gain in importance in the future, particularly through AI and robotics. In order to master the challenges that come with this, we need to rethink teams and collaboration.

Empowering Women in Tech and Robotics

The tech industry has traditionally seen a significant underrepresentation of women. This gender gap is more than just a numbers issue; it reflects deeper challenges related to differences in motivation and confidence between sexes, as well as enduring biases about women's capabilities in STEM fields. These biases often deter women from entering tech careers, perpetuating their underrepresentation. I firmly believe that diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones by bringing a broader range of perspectives and ideas, leading to more innovative solutions.

I am dedicated to raising awareness about these issues and actively working to address them. I believe that women can inspire other women, and by being visible in the field of robotics, I hope to encourage more women to pursue their passion for technology. I aim to redefine the approach to tech, emphasizing that it is not only about technical skills but also about creativity, collaboration, and fostering a supportive environment.

The company I work for, United Robotics Group (URG), provides an ideal platform for me to achieve these goals. On the product side, we offer innovative solutions like NAO, a robot extensively used in the educational sector to engage and inspire the next generation of tech enthusiasts. Through products like these, we showcase the exciting possibilities of robotics and encourage more young women to consider careers in STEM.

As CTO and Managing Director of URG, I have the opportunity to drive change not just through our products but also at the company level. I am committed to improving work-life balance, combating biases and harassment, and fostering a culture of confidence in tech. Accordingly, I try to create a culture in my teams that is driven by the same value system and a shared vision and strategy. Mentoring and networking are additional crucial components of this effort. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that the tech industry benefits from the diverse talents and perspectives of everyone, regardless of gender.

Conclusion

My journey in robotics is driven by a passion for technology and a commitment to fostering greater female representation in STEM. By leveraging my role at URG, I aim to create awareness, inspire others, and implement meaningful changes within our company and the broader tech community. My goal is to show that with diversity, creativity, and collaboration within diverse teams, we can build an even more innovative future in technology and hope that this motivation will also inspire others.