Pioneering Female Minds Revolutionizing Robotics and Human Interaction
Marianela Nanningo, CEO of ToDoRobotics
Marianela Nanninga, CEO of ToDo Robotics is crafting a new narrative for automation by placing human needs at the center of robotic innovation. A Latina executive in a field traditionally led by engineers and programmers she pioneers intelligent machines that enhance workplaces without displacing the workforce. Through intentional design and genuine insight Nanninga proves robotics can meaningfully support hospitality retail and labor-intensive industries—challenging assumptions about who builds the future of tech and how they do it.
“Since day one, I wanted robots with commercial applications that solve real problems,” says Nanninga. “There’s enough robots just entertaining. Our robots need to work.” Her flagship product, BellaBot Pro, serves the retail, hospitality, and food service industries, streamlining processes without overshadowing the human touch.
Nanninga first encountered robotics in 2014 at a Seoul restaurant. “A little robot delivered our food—clunky but fascinating,” she recalls. “That was my ‘aha’ moment. I knew this was the future.” Years later at CES in 2020, she spotted commercial robots in action and knew it was time to act. But the path wasn’t straightforward. COVID-19 struck just as she began to build, freezing potential partnerships and causing layoffs.
“I was devastated when my initial robotics proposal got rejected at my former job,” Nanninga shares candidly. Refusing to quit, she leveraged personal savings and determination to start ToDo Robotics. “It began with my money and my husband’s support. We bought ten robots, sold them, reinvested, and kept scaling.” Her grit paid off, catching the attention of the Latin America Chamber of Commerce, eventually securing crucial SBA loans.
But Nanninga’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles, especially around perceptions. “I’ve had people say, ‘I want to talk to your boss,’” she laughs. “Sometimes I just smile and let them wait for someone who isn’t coming.”
The perception challenge hasn’t slowed her down. Her innovative robots address critical labor shortages—particularly evident in hospitality, where turnover rates soar above 120% annually, according to recent hospitality industry reports. Robots like BellaBot Pro assist rather than replace humans, handling repetitive tasks that free workers for more valuable interactions. “Automation maximizes human value by handling tasks like cleaning or serving, enabling staff to engage meaningfully with customers,” Nanninga emphasizes.
Market research echoes her sentiment. Deloitte’s 2024 Global Robotics Report forecasts robots will initially expand significantly in food service, hospitality, and heavy-labor industries, driven by persistent labor shortages and operational efficiency needs. Rather than job threats, Deloitte sees robotics creating entirely new employment categories for specialized technicians and managers overseeing robotic fleets.
Nanninga envisions an increasingly specialized robotics workforce. “Robots are machines—they’ll need qualified technicians for deployment, repair, and maintenance. New jobs and certifications will emerge, creating better opportunities,” she predicts.
Marianela Nanninga’s appearance at the Bar & Restaurant Expo in Las Vegas marks a critical moment to demonstrate the practical capabilities and real-world effectiveness of BellaBot Pro. By engaging directly with industry leaders and potential partners, she continues to actively reshape conversations around robotics, emphasizing how automation can meaningfully enhance operations in service-oriented businesses.
“We’re still early in adoption. Educating people is essential,” Nanninga insists. “Some think robots will do everything or take jobs away immediately. Neither is true. Robotics will gradually grow, first handling basic repetitive tasks, then slowly incorporating more complex functions.”
In essence, Nanninga’s vision positions robots as partners in productivity. Rather than a sci-fi future where machines dominate, she describes one where automation complements human capabilities, enhancing service quality and operational efficiency.
“It’s exciting, but we have a long way to go,” Nanninga says, her enthusiasm infectious. “Step-by-step, robotics will transform how industries function. And I’m proud that we’re at the forefront, shaping this journey.”
As robots like BellaBot Pro enter restaurants and hotels, the future envisioned by Marianela Nanninga seems not just promising—it feels inevitable. It’s not a replacement of humanity, but an amplification of it, guided by someone uniquely qualified to lead the way.
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