Women in Robotics

Robot Garden is committed to supporting women in robotics, and generally being a diverse and family friendly maker space, where everyone is welcome to play around with new technologies like robots, CNC machines, laser cutters and 3D printers. So, we’d like to share the recent “25 Women in Robotics you need to know about” list from our cofounder, Andra Keay.

Andra has been posting this list celebrating women’s achievements in robotics for four years now in conjunction with Ada Lovelace Day. Countess Ada Lovelace worked alongside Charles Babbage designing the world’s first computer in the early 1800s. Her contribution included developing the first computer program and also predicting the future ability of computers to manipulate any sort of symbols including text.

Ada Lovelace’s contribution was not celebrated during her life and sadly that hasn’t changed much. The number of women engaged in math, science, engineering and technology generally has continued to lag far behind. For example, fewer than 20% of computer science enrolments in US universities are women. Ada Lovelace Day was started not just to encourage women to take up STEM but also make visible the achievements of women who were already doing great things in technology. The ‘Women in Robotics’ lists reflect a wide range of role models at every career stage.

Andra has also launched a global Women in Robotics network as well. The network is for any women working in robotics, or interested in working in robotics. The goals are to promote the visibility of women in robotics, to share stories and support globally and to encourage women everywhere to have network events on a regular basis. An event doesn’t need to be large for it to be a success. Anywhere there is more than one woman, you can have a ‘women in robotics’ event. The first San Francisco Women in Robotics Happy Hour will be on November 1st.

And if you’re interested in celebrating the Steampunk side of technology, we’re holding a workshop with Steamy Tech on Saturday November 5th to make a 2-Layer Desktop Toy as a Coaster. You can be the first to build one of these beautiful coasters. And since you’re doing it at a Robot Garden Steamy Tech Workshop, we’ll help you customize the acrylic or the top ring the way you want. $55 all materials included. (Minimum number of 6 RSVPs required for workshop to go ahead.)

And of course, join us for early Halloween on October 29. We’re having a community meeting at 10am, you can tour Robot Garden at 11am, or join our costume parade and ‘Monthly Maker Potluck’ at 12pm. Our aquaponics and agtech group is meeting at 1pm.