Page 49 - EngineerIT AugustSeptember Issue 2026

ROBOTICS

She believes that while significant
progress has been made, visibility
and encouragement remain critical to
attracting more women into robotics.
"I was fortunate to have mentors
who recognised my potential and
believed in me. That support gave
me confidence that I was on the right
path," she says. "We need more visible
role models to show young women
that they can absolutely succeed
in robotics. The earlier on they see
successful women in these careers,
the easier it becomes to imagine
themselves following the same path."
Dr Martina Hutter-Mironovova Andrew Crackett
Dr Hutter-Mironovova also believes one
of the biggest misconceptions is that Andrew Crackett, Managing As automation becomes
robotics is only for a select few. "It starts Director of Yaskawa Southern increasingly important across
with mindset," she says. "If you decide Africa, believes South Africa has every industry, we need to
this is something you want to pursue, a unique opportunity to build ensure that robotics is seen as
set a goal and work towards it, there a more inclusive engineering an exciting career for everyone.
are many opportunities available. We workforce while strengthening its The future of engineering will
cannot control every circumstance, manufacturing sector. depend on bringing together
but we can choose our direction and diverse perspectives to solve
continue learning. Today's robotics "South Africa has an incredible pool increasingly complex challenges,
industry welcomes many different skills of talent, creativity and problem- and that starts by encouraging
and perspectives." solving ability," says Crackett. more women to see themselves
in these careers."

He adds that creating greater
awareness is just as important
as creating opportunities. "Many
young women simply don't
realise how broad the robotics
industry has become. Today's
careers span engineering, AI,
software development, project
management and product
innovation. By showcasing these
opportunities and the women
already succeeding in them, we
can inspire the next generation
of innovators who will help shape
South Africa's future."

As robotics continues to
evolve alongside AI and digital
transformation, the opportunities
have never been greater. The
challenge now is ensuring more
young women recognise that they
not only belong in robotics, but
that they have the potential to
lead its future.

49 | EngineerIT August/September 2026