Unveiling the Journey: Luka's Path from Passion to Profession

At United Robotics Group, we are constantly inspired by individuals who turn their passion into a driving force for innovation. Today, we are excited to share the remarkable journey of Luka, a Mechatronics engineer at Interactive Robotics, whose story embodies the fusion of passion, dedication, and technological prowess that defines our industry.

A Childhood Spark:

Luka's journey into the world of robotics began with a childhood fascination for technology, nurtured by encounters with robots like NAO. Reflecting on her early memories, Luka recalls being captivated by NAO's presence at a fair during her formative years. "What I remember from my first encounter with NAO was that he was just standing, not doing much. I was just impressed by how this could look like something that you only see in movies and it was standing in front of me. It was just a great feeling," Luka reminisces about her first encounter with NAO at a robotics fair. This event took place during one of the first years of her middle school, at a robotics fair organized with companies and student projects, likely associated with TU Eindhoven, given her proximity to the city.

Luka was just 12 years old at the time, and she couldn't stop talking about it for a year. In the summer of 2013, her grandmother found an exciting opportunity in the newspaper, the RoboCup was being held in Eindhoven. Living close by, Luka's grandmother took her and her little brother to the event, where they were both blown away by the multitude of robots on display.

Breaking Barriers:

During her academic journey at The Hague University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Luka encountered challenges typical of a male-dominated field. Despite warnings about the lack of female representation in mechatronics, Luka remained undeterred. "I see NAO here, let's go," she recalls, describing the moment she decided to pursue her passion despite societal expectations.

Pioneering Contributions:

Her commitment to her passion led her to Interactive Robotics, where she found a platform to translate her enthusiasm into tangible contributions. From her first encounter with NAO to her pivotal role in developing software for humanoid robots, Luka's journey exemplifies the intersection of innovation and perseverance.

"As a Mechatronics engineer, I would have liked to program a bit more instead of just physically moving the robots," Luka explains, reflecting on her desire to push the boundaries of what robots like NAO can achieve.

Advocating for Inclusivity:

Luka's journey extends beyond technical proficiency; she champions the cause of inclusivity in robotics education. Her affinity for social robotics, particularly humanoid designs, speaks volumes about her inclination towards a more inclusive approach.

"I liked social robotics, a bit more humanoid, way more than industrial robotics," she asserts, underlining the significance of accommodating diverse interests within the field. This preference not only reflects her personal passion but also signifies how the design of humanoid robots played a pivotal role in her journey, potentially serving as a gateway for women like herself to enter and thrive in the robotics domain.

Inspiring the Next Generation:

Her efforts to inspire and empower other women in robotics were optimized by a heartwarming encounter with a young girl during one of her guest lectures. "This is so cool. I want to be like you when I grow up," the girl exclaimed, a testament to Luka's impact in opening doors for future generations of women in STEM.

Envisioning the Future:

As Luka envisions the future of robotics education, she emphasizes the need to demystify technology and cultivate a culture of curiosity and exploration. Her vision extends beyond technical proficiency, emphasizing the role of robotics in enhancing problem-solving skills and fostering creativity among learners of all ages.

Looking ahead, Luka envisions a future where robots like NAO serve as companions, instructors, and even therapists. "It would be cool if NAO could do a bit more on emotions," she muses, highlighting the potential for robots to revolutionize fields such as healthcare and education.

Defining Success:

For Luka, success is not measured solely by achievements but by the impact she creates and the lives she touches along the way. Her journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance, inspiring others to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

A Call to Action:

As we celebrate Luka's journey, we are reminded of the endless possibilities that await those who dare to dream and the profound impact they can make on the world of robotics and beyond. Join us in saluting Luka, a trailblazer, innovator, and advocate for a more inclusive future in robotics.