International Women's Day
- 3x founder across robotics, AI, and edtech ventures
- Forbes Top 50 Women in Tech and 30 Under 30 honouree
- Taught robotics to over 140,000 girls through Robogals
Marita Cheng built three global technology ventures before turning 30, each using robotics and artificial intelligence to solve problems that affect real people's lives.
Named by Forbes as one of the World's Top 50 Women in Tech and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, Marita is the founder and CEO of Aubot, whose telepresence robot Teleport enables people with disabilities to attend work or school remotely. While at Singularity University, she co-founded Aipoly, an AI app downloaded over 500,000 times that uses neural networks to help blind users identify objects in real time. Her earlier venture, Robogals, grew from a dorm-room initiative to 4,000 volunteers across 13 countries, teaching more than 140,000 girls robotics without formal funding or institutional backing.
Marita's three ventures each required solving the same challenge: moving a technology from working prototype to real-world deployment at scale. She brings that practitioner's lens to every conversation about where AI and robotics are headed. With over 400 keynote speeches delivered across 14 countries, Marita is skilled at translating complex AI and robotics trends into clear, practical insight.
Audiences leave with a grounded view of what AI can realistically deliver today, how to close the gap between pilot and scale, and what the next wave of physical AI means for their industry.
For organizations seeking a technology speaker who has built and shipped real products, Marita's combination of engineering depth and commercial track record is difficult to replicate.
Marita's showreel and videos
Topics, sessions and talks
Robot Queen to Change the World
Marita Cheng, hailed as the "Robot Queen" by Australian newspapers, transformed from a small-town girl in government housing to a global tech leader, recognised as one of Forbes' Top 50 Women in Tech. At 19, she founded Robogals to inspire girls in robotics, which became an international movement. She also launched Aipoly, aiding the blind with AI, and Aubot, creating everyday robots. Attendees will learn about seizing opportunities and self-belief.
Leading Teams Through Your Computer
Marita Cheng, the founding CEO of Robogals, successfully led thousands of volunteers across the USA, Australia, the UK, Japan, and New Zealand to teach robotics to 140,000 girls worldwide. She managed and inspired her global teams entirely through her computer. Attendees will learn how to motivate remote teams, create a sense of community, provide effective feedback and praise, and use asynchronous communication to set their teams up for success.
My Bot, Your Bot, Autobot
Marita Cheng, a Forbes 30 Under 30 robotics founder, explores the evolving world of robotics. She examines robots that integrate into our daily lives and those working behind the scenes to enhance our living standards. Cheng also highlights Aubot's innovations in assisting people. Attendees will learn about the current state of robotics, future trends, and the progress towards personal robots akin to Rosie from the Jetsons.
What's Real with Artificial Intelligence?
Marita Cheng, cofounder of Aipoly, explores the current landscape of artificial intelligence, highlighting key developments and industry impacts. She will discuss what people are working on, the results achieved, and whether AI is boosting productivity. Attendees will gain insights into the most exciting AI companies and projects today, discover what's trending in AI, and learn about potential AI projects to implement in their own businesses.
How Artificial Intelligence Won't Take Your Job but Teen Girls Just Might
Marita Cheng, an engineer, noticed the lack of girls in her classes and took action by founding Robogals during her second year at university. This initiative aims to inspire girls to pursue engineering and technology careers by visiting schools with robots and teaching them programming skills. Robogals has reached over 100,000 girls across 11 countries. Marita, a Churchill Fellow, shares global insights on engaging girls in engineering. Attendees will learn how to inspire and empower the next generation in STEM fields.
Why we recommend booking Marita
Marita has built and scaled three AI and robotics ventures with measurable global reach. For organizations working through automation strategy, future of work planning, or innovation leadership, she offers a grounded, commercial perspective on where robotics and AI are headed.
Ashton Kutcher wasn't the only star attraction Lenovo had at its 'TECHMyWay' presentation today. He was preceded by Marita Cheng, the wildly inspirational and very impressive 2012 Young Australian of the Year winner, founder of Robogals and now CEO of Aubot.
What an amazing keynote delivered via teleport Robot from San Francisco. The audience were captivated when Marita remotely manoeuvred the Robot around the room during a live Q&A at the conclusion. Marita is an outstanding role model for young women considering a career in Engineering.
Marita was fantastic! Her story was touching and inspirational. The girls loved the speech and they were full of questions back in the classroom. Her visit has generated a real buzz and as a result, our Year 7 girls will be heading to Melbourne University in a few weeks time for a 'Robogals' session. Please thank Marita again and I look forward to hearing about all the wonderful things she is doing.
Haileybury Girls Middle School, Haileybury Girls Middle School
Haileybury Girls Middle School, Haileybury Girls Middle School
