Marita Cheng

Founder at aubot - Forbes World's Top 50 Women in Tech - Keynote Speaker: Technology, Leadership, and Inspiration

Marita Cheng is a prominent Australian technology entrepreneur, recognized for her contributions to robotics and her advocacy for women in technology. She is the founder and CEO of Aubot (formerly known as 2Mar Robotics), a company that develops telepresence robots, including their flagship product, Teleport. This robot enables children with cancer to attend school remotely and assists individuals with disabilities in maintaining social connections and participating in work environments.1 2

Early Life and Education

Cheng grew up in Australia and pursued engineering at the University of Melbourne, where she noticed a significant gender disparity in her classes. This observation led her to establish Robogals, an initiative aimed at encouraging young girls to engage with engineering and robotics. Under her leadership, Robogals expanded internationally, reaching over 100,000 girls across multiple countries.1 3 4

Career Achievements

Aubot: Founded in 2013, Aubot focuses on creating robots that enhance daily living. The Teleport robot has been utilized in hospitals, offices, and educational settings.1 4
Aipoly: Cheng co-founded Aipoly, an artificial intelligence company that develops applications to assist visually impaired individuals by recognizing objects in real-time using smartphone technology.1 2
Awards and Recognition: In 2012, she was named the Young Australian of the Year for her leadership in promoting STEM education among girls. She has also been recognized as one of Forbes' Top 50 Women in Tech in 2018 and was inducted as the youngest member of the Order of Australia in 2019 for her significant contributions to science and technology.1 2 5

Current Endeavors

Cheng continues to lead Aubot while also serving on various boards related to innovation and education. Her work emphasizes not only technological advancement but also social impact, particularly in making technology accessible and beneficial for all.1 4 5

Marita Cheng's journey reflects a commitment to innovation and empowerment, making her a notable figure in both the tech industry and the movement for greater female representation in engineering fields.