Professional gatherings continue to serve as vital platforms for exchanging ideas, advancing careers, and promoting diversity in specialized fields. RoboBusiness, a prominent robotics industry event, once again invites stakeholders to convene in Santa Clara with a renewed emphasis on networking and sector-focused mentorship. Highlighting the participation of Tessa Lau, founder and CEO of Dusty Robotics, this year’s program underscores both the practical advances in automation and the experiences of women leaders shaping the industry. Attendees will have access to in-depth discussions on robotics in construction and opportunities for collaboration, confirming the event’s role as a focal meeting point for developers, engineers, and business professionals. The intersection of expertise and exchange found at RoboBusiness provides context for the ongoing underrepresentation of women, particularly within smaller startups—and may help address the challenges they face.
When compared to previous years, there is a clear continuity in RoboBusiness’s commitment to inclusive networking and specialized content. Female representation in robotics engineering has stayed persistently low, holding at approximately 19%, and earlier conferences featured similar forums aimed at empowering women. In contrast to standard conference sessions, the Women in Robotics Lunch distinguishes itself by providing tailored mentorship and community-building initiatives. Bits of coverage from past events emphasized either key product launches or technical sessions, while this year broadens its focus to personal journeys and sector challenges. The market presence of Dusty Robotics continues to grow, mirroring the increasing attention to diversity and practical innovations in automation; Lau’s engagement highlights evolving conversations within both the event and the broader industry.
Encouraging Diversity Through Dedicated Networking
RoboBusiness addresses ongoing representation gaps by organizing the Women in Robotics Lunch, set to include industry figures such as Tessa Lau and Joyce Sidopoulos of MassRobotics. With only a small fraction of robotics engineers identifying as women, such gatherings serve as both a support system and a forum for exchanging strategies. The event is expected to foster lasting connections and mentorships, contributing to a wider recruitment and retention pipeline in robotics.
Industry Applications: Dusty Robotics and Sector Insights
Tessa Lau’s career trajectory exemplifies the evolving applications of robotics in industries like construction. Her company, Dusty Robotics, develops automated layout systems designed to streamline building processes and bridge digital designs with on-site tasks. Lau’s earlier work at Savioke (Relay Robotics) involved automating hotel delivery services and managing the deployment of service robots globally. While reflecting on her experiences, Lau stated,
“Advancing robotics in construction has required not just technological innovation, but also learning to collaborate across industries.”
Her perspective offers a practical view of adaptation and integration in automation beyond traditional tech spheres.
Shaping the Robotics Landscape With Diverse Leadership?
Leadership stories like Lau’s highlight the need for increased visibility and support for women in robotics. Major conferences are beginning to recognize this by including women as keynote speakers and panelists, which contributes to the evolution of industry standards. Lau has noted,
“My journey in robotics was made possible by the mentors and collaborators who supported me at each stage.”
These comments point to the collaborative fabric at the core of the community and the potential for further progress as more women enter and lead in the field.
RoboBusiness is co-located with DeviceTalks West, drawing professionals from both robotics and medical technology sectors. More than 100 exhibitors and over 60 speakers, spanning both established and startup ventures, enrich the event’s agenda with technical sessions, a Pitchfire competition, and workshops. The diversity of programming aims to meet the varied interests and development needs of robotics professionals, emphasizing practical solutions to complex engineering challenges. WTWH Media continues to expand the event profile through its related publications and conferences.
Continued support for diversity in engineering relies not only on individual recognition, but also on broad-based initiatives such as those at RoboBusiness. Specific events like the Women in Robotics Lunch provide structured mentorship and networking, which have proven beneficial for attracting and sustaining underrepresented talent. The focus on sector applications—such as Dusty Robotics’ construction automation—serves as a reminder that robotics impacts many industries in tangible ways, offering new career pathways for a wider range of professionals. Those attending gain practical insights and critical connections, positioning themselves advantageously within a competitive and evolving landscape. Effective engagement and follow-up after events further sustain industry-wide improvements, making such conferences more than just isolated opportunities. Attendees, especially those from diverse backgrounds, can expect not only technical updates and demonstrations but also actionable strategies for navigating the field.
