Marita Cheng is a well-known technology entrepreneur, inventor, and advocate for women in technology. She has made significant contributions to robotics, artificial intelligence, and STEM education.
Marita earned degrees in Mechatronics and Computer Science from the University of Melbourne. At 19, Marita founded Robogals Global, an initiative to inspire girls to pursue careers in robotics and engineering. The organization has reached over 100,000 girls in 11 countries and has received several awards, including the Global Engineering Deans Council Diversity in Engineering Award in 2014.
Marita co-founded Aipoly, an AI company that created an app to help visually impaired individuals identify objects in real-time. The app, launched at CES in January 2016, is available in 23 languages and has been downloaded over 500,000 times. As the founder and CEO of Aubot, Marita developed telepresence robots to assist people with disabilities, the elderly, and children with cancer. Aubot also conducts research on robotic arms, virtual reality, and autonomous navigation.
Marita has received numerous accolades, including being named Young Australian of the Year in 2012 and being included in Forbes' Top 50 Women in Tech in 2018. She was also inducted as the youngest Member of the Order of Australia in 2019.
Marita is a sought-after public speaker, sharing her insights on technology and encouraging young students to explore STEM careers. She serves on various boards, including Robogals Global and the Foundation for Young Australians, and participates in initiatives like the Victorian State Innovation Expert Panel. Her story of resilience and innovation inspires many, highlighting the impact of technology and the importance of diversity in the field.