Your motivation for entering robotics

My journey began not in a lab, but in an art studio. While majoring in Metal Craft, I took a part-time job designing the exteriors for a robot company. I was tasked with developing educational toy robots, and I became completely captivated by the process of making my designs move. I spent 100 days in total immersion, working from dawn until late at night, driven by the thrill of seeing a physical object come to life exactly as I imagined. This experience of "flow" and the discovery that my artistic perspective could create more engaging, marketable robots led me to pivot from traditional art to the world of kinetic art and robotics.

What inspires you in the field

I draw my primary inspiration from fantasy, sci-fi movies, and literature. Seeing a concept on screen and feeling the urge to manifest it in reality is what drives my creative process. I am also deeply influenced by the kinetic artist Arthur Ganson, who taught me to trust the potential of my ideas and provided the confidence to bridge the gap between imagination and engineering. To me, robotics is the ultimate medium for turning "unreal" fantasies into "tangible" interactions. The moment when a complex movement I’ve envisioned finally functions perfectly in the physical world provides an unparalleled sense of achievement.

A brief overview of your career path

I have built a unique career as a kinetic artist, robot designer, and content creator. Starting as a designer focused on the aesthetics of robots, I co-founded AeiROBOT in 2018 and have since served as its CEO, leading the company through major milestones including approx. total 10M USD investments for our general-purpose humanoid, ALICE.

My career has been defined by a commitment to Human-Robot Interaction (HRI). I have led projects such as the emotional robot EDIE, the skiing robot DIANA, and I and CTO Prof. Jeakweon Han serve as the team leaders for HERoEHS, a world-class robot football/soccer team competing in the RoboCup. To further solidify my expertise, I have spent years researching how humans and robots can coexist more naturally. I am proud to share that I will be receiving my Ph.D. in Engineering, specializing in HRI, this coming August.

Your activities related to women in STEM (Optional)

In a field historically dominated by men, I strive to champion diversity and emotional intelligence. I intentionally gave our robots female names—such as DIANA, ERICA, and ALICE—to promote gender balance and challenge the stereotypical "masculine" image of robotics. Beyond the lab, I am an active mentor for the next generation. Through exhibitions and workshops, I teach young students that one does not need to be a traditional engineer to succeed in robotics. My goal is to show young women that their unique artistic sensibilities, planning skills, and creative visions are essential assets in the future of the robotics industry.