Celebrating Women in Robotics: A Closer Look at MassRobotics' 2026 Award Winners

MassRobotics recently recognized two exceptional women at the IEEE ICRA conference in Vienna. Dr. Allison Okamura and Dr. Ayoung Kim have been awarded the 2026 Robotics Medal and Rising Star Medal, respectively. These accolades not only celebrate individual achievements but also aim to inspire more women to join the robotics field.

Recognizing Pioneering Contributions

Dr. Allison Okamura, a prominent figure at Stanford University, received the Robotics Medal for her foundational work in haptics and medical robotics. Her contributions to open access education and mentorship have paved the way for many in the field. This $50,000 award recognizes her significant impact on robotics, which can't be overstated. In clinical terms, her advancements in haptic technology are reshaping how surgeons interact with robotic systems.

Meanwhile, the Rising Star Medal was awarded to Dr. Ayoung Kim of Seoul National University. Her pioneering work in lidar place recognition and strong SLAM for autonomous systems is pushing the boundaries of what robots can perceive and understand. This work, supported by widely used datasets and tools, earned her this recognition along with a $5,000 prize. But let's be honest, why isn't there more funding and support for rising stars like Dr. Kim?

Diversity in Robotics: A Necessity

The question that looms large is why women still represent just 16% of the engineering and robotics workforce. Despite being nearly half of the overall workforce, their presence in STEM remains disproportionately low. The regulatory detail everyone missed: systemic barriers and biases that persist in the field.

MassRobotics, with Amazon's support, is striving to change this narrative. By endowing The Robotics Medal, they aim to encourage women and underrepresented groups to participate in robotics. The award isn't just a nod to past achievements but a call to foster a more inclusive future in STEM.

Fostering Future Generations

Since 2017, MassRobotics has evolved from a local incubator into a global hub for robotics. Its initiatives, like the Jumpstart Fellowship for high school women, are instrumental in preparing the next generation of female leaders in robotics. This program has already seen nearly 120 graduates move on to prestigious universities. The clearance is for a specific indication. Read the label: more initiatives like this are critical if we're to see real change.

As we look to the gala event in Cambridge on November 7, where these awards will be formally presented, it's important to remember that these celebrations are more than ceremonial. they're a reminder of what diversity can bring to the table. The FDA pathway matters more than the press release. The industry must continue to question existing structures and actively support diversity to innovate effectively.