Women in the robotics and automation industry will now have their own professional meeting place when the Women in Robotics Breakfast takes place on 7 May at 08:00 during ROBOTBRAG in Odense. Developers, researchers, communicators and leaders can meet across companies and roles for informal sparring, networking and inspiration as part of the Week of Robotics.
Women in robotics and automation will gather at Teknologisk Institut in Odense on 7 May at 08:00. As part of the Week of Robotics, Teknologisk Institut, the Danish Robot Network (DIRA) and Odense Robotics invite participants to an exclusive morning of panel debate, networking and knowledge sharing across companies, roles and disciplines.
A dedicated space for women in a rapidly growing industry
In recent years, the robotics and automation industry has grown significantly in Denmark and internationally. However, the share of women in the field remains low. With the Women in Robotics Breakfast, Odense Robotics, DIRA and Teknologisk Institut aim to contribute to a more diverse industry by creating a dedicated space where women can meet, share experiences and inspire one another.
The event is open to all women working professionally with robotics and automation — whether they are developers, researchers, consultants, communicators, project managers or executives.
“We are seeing more women entering the robotics and automation industry, but we are still far from where we want to be,” says Anne-Lise Høg Lejre, Executive Vice President at Danish Technological Institute and board member of Odense Robotics.
“With Women in Robotics, we want to create a space where women can see themselves reflected in one another, expand their networks and share the experiences that do not always make it onto the big stages. When we bring together strong professional profiles across companies, functions and countries, it strengthens not only the participants — it strengthens the entire ecosystem around Danish robotics.”
She also highlights the importance of role models:
“If we want more young women to choose a technical education or specialise in robotics and automation, we need visible role models. This morning meeting is one step in that direction.”
Insights from the global robotics industry
A key part of the Women in Robotics Breakfast is a panel discussion featuring leading women from both the international and Danish robotics and automation industry. The panel represents large global corporations, high-tech scaleups and international organisations, bringing experience from technical, commercial and strategic roles:
- Maude Plucker, Manufacturing Intelligence Engineer, Future Operational Technology, Novo Nordisk
- Constanze Schmuck, Program Manager – Strategic Large Accounts, Universal Robots
- Kataryna Portmann, Senior Product Manager, ANYbotics & Women in Robotics Swiss chapter co-lead
- Marina Bill, Global Vice President, ABB; Head of Sales & Commercial Operations; Head of Product Line Software and Digital
- Susanne Bieller, General Secretary, International Federation of Robotics
The panel will focus on how women navigate a high-tech industry that still faces gender imbalance, and on how diversity in teams can strengthen innovation, recruitment and business performance.
“Networks of women drive innovation, strengthen inclusion and help ensure that technology benefits everyone,” says Maude Plucker from Novo Nordisk.
“It is important to bring women together to develop technology that benefits all. Together, women in tech can turn obstacles into progress, and we can transform barriers into new pathways — both for ourselves and for those who follow.”
She emphasises that networks such as the Women in Robotics Breakfast also have very tangible value in everyday working life:
“When we share experiences across industries and roles, challenges become less individual and more collective. That makes it easier to find solutions, and it gives us the confidence to pursue new opportunities — whether that means taking on more responsibility, changing direction or shaping the next generation of automated solutions.”
In addition to the panel debate, ample time is set aside for breakfast and informal networking. The format is intentionally relaxed, allowing room for both big visions and practical conversations about careers, skills and everyday life in a technical industry.
Part of Week of Robotics – strengthening the ecosystem
The Women in Robotics Breakfast is part of the Week of Robotics, where ROBOTBRAG, DIRA Business and NextGen LIVE bring together the Danish and international robotics ecosystem in Odense.
By placing the event within the broader week-long programme, participants gain natural access to the rest of the activities — ranging from technology demonstrations and company visits to professional conferences and networking events.
“Week of Robotics is already a gathering point for the entire industry, so it makes perfect sense for the Women in Robotics Breakfast to be an integrated part of the programme. In this way, the morning is not an isolated initiative, but a visible and natural element of the overall narrative about where the robotics industry is heading — both technologically and culturally,” says Anne-Lise Høg Lejre.
Sign up for the Women in Robotics Breakfast here