Helen Greiner

Helen Greiner is an engineer, entrepreneur, and robotics pioneer recognized for her contributions to robotics engineering, artificial intelligence, and drone technology. Greiner graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a master's in computer science. Her career in robotics innovation and commercialization includes work at NASA Jet Propulsion Lab and the MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab, where she met Colin Angle and Rodney Brooks, with whom she co-founded iRobot, a robotics company delivering consumer robots.

Greiner served as president of iRobot until 2004 and chairman until 2008. During her tenure, iRobot released the "Roomba," "PackBot," and SUGV military robots. The "Roomba" became the first commercial household robot of its kind and has appeared on TV shows such as "Breaking Bad," "Arrested Development," and "Saturday Night Live." More than 50 million Roombas have been sold globally. Greiner also led the deployment of 6,000 PackBots with the United States armed forces, including their use in structural inspections following the September 11 attacks in New York. She managed iRobot's financing projects, raising $35 million in venture capital for a $75 million initial public offering.

In 2008, Greiner founded CyPhy Works, which developed the Persistent Aerial Reconnaissance and Communications (PARC) and Pocket Flyer multi-rotor drones. Greiner has advocated for the use of drones in enhancing human safety, efficiency, and convenience, including civil structural inspections and operations in hazardous environments. After leaving CyPhy Works, Greiner served as a Highly Qualified Expert for Robotics, Autonomous Systems, and AI for the U.S. Army and was later appointed CEO and chairman of Tertill, a robotic gardening startup.

Greiner's work in robotics and technology has been recognized by the National Academy of Engineering for leadership in the design, development, and application of practical robots. She and Colin Angle were named Ernst and Young New England Entrepreneurs of the Year, and Greiner was listed among the "Top Ten Innovators" by Fortune Magazine. She was also named a Presidential Ambassador for Global Leadership (PAGE) and inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame. Greiner received the Anita Borg Institute Women of Vision Award for Innovation and was invited to the World Economic Forum as a Global Leader of Tomorrow and Young Global Leader.

Greiner has spoken at TEDxBoston about the role of robotics in improving safety and efficiency by performing tasks that are monotonous or dangerous for humans. An advocate for STEM education, Greiner has encouraged greater participation of women in computer science and engineering, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping the future of technology. Her career demonstrates the impact of robotics and artificial intelligence in advancing practical innovation and integrating robots into daily life.