Retired Army Major General Kelly Ann Giraud received the 2019 Career Achievement in Government Award for her outstanding contributions to the U.S. Army Force Development, Soldier, Maneuver, and Robotics Division.
Giraud served in the United States Army for over 20 years as a logistics specialist, signal intelligence analyst, and combat engineer.
Her first assignment in March 2001 sparked her interest in technology and information systems, which she utilized to improve efficiency through capability development and program management of small and large systems ranging in costs from one million to two billion dollars.
Giraud's role as the deputy branch chief of robotics within the Department of the Army enabled her to ensure the smooth progression of robotics autonomous systems through the Army requirements, acquisition, programming, and budgeting processes, which was fundamental to Army modernization.
Her constant strive for excellence and thirst for knowledge made Giraud an exemplary Army Engineer Officer in robotics and artificial intelligence at the Combat Capabilities Development Command.
Asya Cara Peña, a technical program manager for robotics and automation at Google LLC, graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 2014.
She is a licensed professional engineer in California, and in 2021, Asya earned a Fundamentals of System Engineering Certificate from Caltech.
Asya's skillset includes SolidWorks, Ansys, MATLAB, AutoCAD, Adobe, Microsoft, and Navisworks.
Before joining Google, Asya worked as a project engineer at Walt Disney Imagineering, where she managed the end-to-end ride design and delivery scope from early concept development to field installation for innovative ride platforms.
She also served as the lead engineer for the "Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance" trackless vehicle system, one of the most technologically advanced ride systems ever delivered.
Additionally, she worked as a research and development engineer and character designer.
Her responsibilities included designing interfaces between exoskeleton technology and human performers to bring prominent characters to life.
She used rapid prototyping with 3D printing and machining to test qualitative user experience requirements in mechanical systems.
As a stretch assignment, Asya served as creative director with ESPN Creative Works, and her credits include Writer and Creative Consultant for The Walt Disney Company's The Bond: Black Writers Club.
Asya is recognized as a subject matter expert and has served as chairperson of the Women's Inclusion Network, with her core team's belief that "Inclusion is the Fifth Key."
National Robotics Week has announced the 15th Annual National Robotics Week will be held from April 6-14, 2024.
Established by Congress in 2010, National Robotics Week aims to raise awareness about robots and their critical role in shaping the future of education, industry, and the U.S. economy.
The Institute for Robotics & Intelligent Machines (IRIM) at Georgia Tech includes tours and demos during National Robotics Week. Their event educates the public on the benefits of robotics technology to society.
IRIM also hosts tours throughout the year to raise awareness of the importance of robotics technology and stimulate interest in the field.
Ahead of RoboWeek 2024, the Computer Science Teachers Association is hosting a discussion on Thursday, March 28, from 6-7 p.m. CT on the benefits of students participating in robotics.
The forum will feature leaders in robotics, the connection to computer science, and the skills students gain from participating.
The Museum of Science + Industry has announced two robotics events on April 12 and 13. The museum's Robot Block Party will feature 'bots and mecha-stars presented by area robotics groups.
National Robotics Week celebrates how robots can improve our lives — they clean homes, protect our loved ones, save lives in hospitals, and perform necessary research throughout the universe.
