Robot Manufacturer Education & Research Collaborative Human-Machine Interaction Autonomous Vehicle / UGV
Amazon Robotics' Bhavana Chandrashekhar to Join Women in Robotics Lunch at RoboBusiness 2026
Original from RoboticsBusinessReview.com: Amazon’s Bhavana Chandrashekhar to speak at RoboBusiness’ Women in Robotics Lunch

Amazon Robotics' Bhavana Chandrashekhar to Join Women in Robotics Lunch at RoboBusiness 2026

Bhavana Chandrashekhar, senior manager of applied science at Amazon Robotics, will participate in the Women in Robotics Lunch at RoboBusiness 2026, scheduled for October 20-21 in Santa Clara, California. This event aims to foster connections among women in the robotics industry, which currently sees only 35% of the global STEM workforce and 22% of the AI workforce comprised of women.

The Women in Robotics Lunch will feature a fireside chat with Joyce Sidopoulos, co-founder of MassRobotics, providing an opportunity for mentorship and discussion on increasing female representation in robotics leadership. Chandrashekhar leads a team focused on developing AI-powered autonomous manipulation robots for Amazon warehouses, with notable projects including the Robin and Vulcan Stow robots.

Additionally, Chandrashekhar will participate in the Day 1 closing keynote titled “Beyond the Demo: AI in Production Robotics,” alongside other industry leaders. This keynote will explore the application of AI in real-world robotic environments, highlighting the importance of innovation and collaboration in advancing the robotics sector. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

Editor's Note

The representation of women in robotics and AI remains critically low, highlighting the need for initiatives like the Women in Robotics Lunch at RoboBusiness 2026. Events that promote networking and mentorship are essential for fostering diversity in leadership roles within the robotics industry. As companies increasingly adopt AI technologies, the insights shared by leaders like Chandrashekhar and Sidopoulos will be pivotal in shaping future developments.

RobotToday Initiative

Robotics needs a service framework.

RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.

Share

Related Articles/News

ROBOTTODAY WEEKLY August 17 – 21, 2026

ROBOTTODAY WEEKLY August 17 – 21, 2026

This week in robotics: Unitree surges 629% in its Shanghai STAR Market debut at a $66 billion valuation, Nevada approves 7,000 robotaxis, Amazon Prime Air expands to nearly 500 US cities, and Beijing's World Robot Conference marks the industry's pivot from spectacle to scale. August 17–21, 2026.

RobotToday Weekly
Idaho National Laboratory Investigates Security Risks of Chinese Lidar Sensors

Idaho National Laboratory Investigates Security Risks of Chinese Lidar Sensors

The Idaho National Laboratory is examining potential security risks associated with Chinese lidar sensors that may be used in U.S. vehicles. This investigation is reportedly funded by companies in the electric and autonomous vehicle sectors, although specific contributors remain undisclosed. The review comes amid increasing legislative pressure to restric...

Government & Policy Transportation autonomous vehicles
Amazon to Expand Prime Air Drone Delivery to Nearly 500 U.S. Cities by 2026

Amazon to Expand Prime Air Drone Delivery to Nearly 500 U.S. Cities by 2026

Amazon.com Inc. announced plans to expand its Prime Air drone delivery service to nearly 500 cities and towns across the U.S. by the end of 2026, marking a sixfold increase from its current service area. This expansion aims to provide tens of millions of customers with access to drone delivery for groceries, electronics, cosmetics, medications, and househ...

Drones News Retail / Wholesale
Amazon's Drone Deliveries Encounter Challenges with Water Landings in Texas

Amazon's Drone Deliveries Encounter Challenges with Water Landings in Texas

Amazon's Prime Air drone service recently delivered a package into a customer's pool in Texas, highlighting potential issues with delivery locations. As the service expands to 500 cities across the U.S., incidents of drones dropping packages into water bodies raise concerns about delivery accuracy and safety. Previous occurrences include packages landing ...

Amazon Drones News
Amazon Prime Air to Expand Drone Delivery Service to Nearly 500 U.S. Locations by 2026

Amazon Prime Air to Expand Drone Delivery Service to Nearly 500 U.S. Locations by 2026

Amazon is set to significantly expand its Prime Air drone delivery service, aiming to reach nearly 500 cities and towns across the United States by the end of 2026. This expansion will increase the service's operational footprint approximately sixfold, enhancing its current operations from 11 sites in 10 metro areas. The importance of this expansion lies ...

Applications Delivery Drone News
Amazon Aims for Sixfold Expansion of Drone Delivery Service by 2026

Amazon Aims for Sixfold Expansion of Drone Delivery Service by 2026

Amazon has announced plans to increase its drone delivery service sixfold by the end of 2026. This ambitious expansion aims to make ultrafast drone delivery accessible to tens of millions of customers nationwide. The significance of this initiative lies in its potential to revolutionize the logistics and delivery landscape, enhancing customer experience t...

Amazon Plans Major Expansion of Prime Air Drone Delivery to 500 US Communities by 2026

Amazon Plans Major Expansion of Prime Air Drone Delivery to 500 US Communities by 2026

Amazon has announced plans to expand its Prime Air drone delivery service to nearly 500 cities and towns across the United States by the end of 2026. This expansion is set to increase its current service area sixfold, providing ultrafast delivery options to tens of millions of customers. The significance of this expansion lies in its potential to enhance ...

News
Amazon to Broaden Drone Delivery Services to Suburban Chicago and Atlanta

Amazon to Broaden Drone Delivery Services to Suburban Chicago and Atlanta

Amazon.com Inc. is set to expand its drone delivery operations to suburban areas in Chicago and Atlanta, among other cities in five additional US states. This initiative marks a significant step in transforming a long-term research and development project into a viable commercial service. The expansion of Amazon's drone delivery service is crucial as it a...

ROBOTTODAY Weekly August 10 – 14, 2026

ROBOTTODAY Weekly August 10 – 14, 2026

Your weekly robotics briefing: Unitree's IPO is swamped by retail demand, the US puts 100% tariffs on imported drones, LG and Nvidia commit to a 2027 humanoid, and Uber and Pony.ai bring 2,000 robotaxis to Europe.

RobotToday Weekly Market and Business News
Women and Drones to Host Book Signing Event at Commercial UAV Expo 2026

Women and Drones to Host Book Signing Event at Commercial UAV Expo 2026

Women and Drones has announced a multi-author book signing event at the Commercial UAV Expo, scheduled for September 1-3, 2026, at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. The event will feature five authors who are contributing to discussions on uncrewed aviation, workforce development, safety, and STEM education. This initiative is significant as it promotes the adv...

Blum-Novotest to Showcase Innovative Measuring Technology for Automation at IMTS 2026

Blum-Novotest to Showcase Innovative Measuring Technology for Automation at IMTS 2026

Blum-Novotest, a prominent supplier of advanced measuring and testing technology, will present key innovations at IMTS 2026 in Chicago, IL. The company aims to demonstrate how its products can enhance automation in machining processes, contributing to the concept of lights-out manufacturing. The significance of Blum-Novotest's participation lies in its co...

Analog Devices Reaffirms Strategic Sponsorship to Support MassRobotics Startups

Analog Devices Reaffirms Strategic Sponsorship to Support MassRobotics Startups

Analog Devices Inc. has renewed its strategic sponsorship of MassRobotics, enhancing support for robotics startups. Joyce Sidopoulos, co-founder of MassRobotics, emphasized the importance of ADI's technical expertise and mentorship in accelerating the development of commercial-ready robotics systems. This partnership is crucial as developing advanced robo...

Business Resources Events Microprocessors / SoC

Related Suppliers

Amazon Robotics

Amazon's robotics division, formerly Kiva Systems (founded 2003, acquired 2012), in North Reading, MA, developing AMRs and automation for Amazon fulfilment.

MassRobotics

World's largest independent non-profit robotics innovation hub and startup incubator based in Boston, Massachusetts.

Education & Research Robot Manufacturer System Integrator

ROBINS Project

EU Horizon 2020 research project developing robotics and autonomous systems for ship inspection.

Ascent AeroSystems (Robinson Unmanned)

US maker of NDAA-compliant coaxial VTOL UAS from 249g nano drones to 1,100 lb heavy-lift rotorcraft, built on Robinson Helicopter's FAA-certified heritage.

EVOTL/Drone

Vulcan Engineering Co.

North America's largest foundry engineering integrator; designs and builds robotic die casting, mold handling, and casting finishing automation systems.

Identified Technologies

Pittsburgh drone mapping and DaaS company providing 3D aerial analytics for construction, mining, and energy sectors.

Robot Launchpad

Silicon Valley robotics accelerator and global startup competition platform connecting early-stage robotics startups with investors and mentors.

Education & Research Robot Manufacturer Software & Algorithm Provider

Matrix Robotics 矩阵超智能

Chinese developer of general-purpose humanoid robots, with flagship MATRIX-3 and MATRIX-1 driven by embodied AI.

Staxel AI

Detroit-based RaaS startup using AI-powered AMRs to automate micro-fulfillment and intralogistics operations.

HS Inc., Automation

Female-owned Grand Rapids MI turnkey automation integrator since 1969; specializes in robot integration and vision systems for aerospace and auto.

Industrial Manufacturing Logistics & Supply Chain Robot Manufacturer

BEETLESS

Ukrainian female-founded startup using non-chemical, biomimetic insect traps to protect crops from flying agricultural pests without pesticides.

Agriculture

Robotics Education & Competition Foundation

The REC Foundation is a US nonprofit that runs VEX-based robotics and drone competitions reaching 1.1 million students across 70 countries.

inJoin the RobotToday community on LinkedIn

Daily robotics news, in-depth analysis, conference highlights, and discussions with professionals worldwide.