Tech Inspired with Dona Smith

Key takeaways

Educational experiences, particularly those that emphasize applied learning, can profoundly impact career decisions and passions.
Career paths are rarely linear; pursuing interests and adapting to opportunities can lead to fulfilling roles.
Hands-on experiences and proactive preparation are crucial for anyone looking to enter a new field, especially within tech.
Teams thrive on diversity and collaboration, which fosters a positive work environment and innovative spirit.
The future of robotics holds exciting possibilities, driven by advancements in AI and changes in industry adoption.

Summary

Journey into Robotics

Dona, originally from Romania, shares her journey from familial influence in engineering to leading a team in robotics at Sevensense Robotics. Her childhood ambition to build a teleportation device fueled her early interest in technology, despite finding school overwhelming at first. A transformative exchange year in the U.S. reignited her passion for learning, steering her towards an engineering career.

Education’s Impact

Dona discusses how her educational experiences, particularly in the U.S. and later at the University of Oxford, profoundly influenced her approach to learning and engineering. She appreciated the tangible, application-based learning style of U.S. schools compared to the rote memorization in Romania. The opportunity to dive deep into engineering subjects helped solidify her decision to pursue engineering and set her on a clear career path.

Career Transitions

Following her studies, Dona navigated various roles, from a coaching position in the automotive industry to a technical role at the European Space Agency. Despite the prestige of her roles, she felt frustrated by the slower pace of progress in the space industry. This led her to transition into the fast-paced environment of robotics startups, guided by her desire for innovation and agility.

Working in the Robotics Field

Dona describes her current role at Sevensense Robotics, where she leads a diverse team focusing on software quality assurance, release management, and application engineering. Her day-to-day involves hands-on work with robots, fostering a collaborative environment, and enjoying the satisfaction of seeing tangible results from her team’s hard work.

Future of Robotics

Discussing the future of robotics, Dona predicts advancements in AI, increased adoption of autonomous mobile robots in logistics, and the evolution of collaborative robotics. She emphasizes the importance of intuitive human-robot interaction as technology continues to develop.

Advice for Aspiring Engineers

Dona offers practical advice for individuals aspiring to enter robotics, stressing the importance of honesty about one’s skills and proactive measures to prepare for roles. This includes undertaking online courses, engaging in hands-on projects, and networking strategically within the industry.

Show notes

Engineering the Future: Dona’s Journey in Robotics

How do you go from dreaming of teleportation as a child to leading a robotics team building the eyes and brains of autonomous machines? In this episode of Tech Inspired, Priska sits down with Dona, the Robotic Systems Team Lead at Sevensense Robotics, to talk about her incredible journey from Romania to Berlin and Oxford, from aerospace to AI-driven robotics.

What you’ll love about this episode:

- From Space to Startups: Dona’s path from working at the European Space Agency to taking a leap into the fast-paced world of robotics startups.
- How Education Changes Everything: How an exchange year in the U.S. transformed her view on learning and led her to pursue engineering.
- Big Career Shifts: Why she swapped the slow-moving space industry for the fast-paced startup world and how she managed the transition.
- The Future of Robotics: From AI-powered automation to collaborative robots, hear Dona’s take on where the industry is headed.
- Power Skills for Success: Learn Dona’s secret weapon for juggling leadership, innovation, and teamwork in a competitive industry.

Making your mark in robotics

Thinking about breaking into robotics? Dona shares actionable advice on how to transition into the field - even without direct experience. From online courses to hands-on projects and strategic networking, she reveals practical steps to get started. Whether you're already in tech or looking to make a career shift, her journey will inspire you to pursue your passion, tackle challenges head-on, and find your place in the industry.

🎧 Tune in now to get started!

Want to connect with Dona and learn more about her work? Find her on LinkedIn. 🚀