Women in AI & Robotics is a global network of experts in artificial intelligence and robotics. At the SICK Solution Hackathon, five young women from the association put their skills and expertise to use advanced hardware and software to solve challenges faced in everyday life and industry. They were part of a group of more than 100 participants from 16 countries who were given just 48 hours to develop innovative iot solutions. We spoke to Nathanya Queby Satriani (21) and Mouna Albaccouch (30) about their motivations, their experience in IT, and their role in Women in AI & Robotics.

Taking part in a Hackathon, Nathanya Queby Satriani hopes to gain more hands-on experience by working with real hardware.

For you personally and for your team, what are your expectations for the SICK Solution Hackathon?

Queby: In my learning experience, the emphasis has been more on the theoretical and systems programming side. From the Hackathon, I hope to gain more hands-on experience with real hardware, and I’m looking forward to meeting the Women in AI & Robotics team in person. Since I am currently living in Austria and most of the team members live elsewhere, I have never met them in person. They all come from different countries and different backgrounds. As a team, we look forward to learning new things and solving problems together.

Mouna: For me, the SICK Solution Hackathon is a great networking opportunity. There are many people from all over the world, and there are also some big companies offering support during the event. This is a great opportunity to learn about and use the technologies available in the market. I want to get to know the quality people on the Women in AI & Robotics team better. We will do our best to contribute to society with our solutions.

Over the course of her career, Mouna Albaccouch has faced many challenges, but she has always seen them as opportunities rather than problems.

SICK Solution Hackathon (SICK Solution Hackathon) mainly aims to face new challenges and solve problems. How do you usually deal with these challenges?

Queby: My strategy is not to focus on developing one big solution for all the problems at once. Instead, I try to break big tasks down into smaller elements. This is also known as the “divide and rule” strategy. Finally, small pieces of the solution can be combined into a larger solution.

Mouna: I like challenges because that’s how we learn and grow. In my career, I have faced many challenges, from the technical level to the social level. I always see these challenges as opportunities rather than problems, which helps relieve stress and focus on solutions.

What was particularly fascinating about the field of IT technology for you, and why did you choose this path for yourself?

Queby: I find IT fascinating that we can learn more about society, because IT and technology are like a mirror of social issues. In this way, we can also discover what we are missing and get a sense of what the future might look like. When I was younger, I was actually more interested in philosophy and psychology. But then I realized I needed a more scientific foundation, which led me to neuroscience in the field of artificial intelligence.

Mouna: I’m sure computer science is particularly suitable for me. Engineers are always the ones who solve problems and create added value for society. Technology can make a contribution here.