Jorgina Díaz Torres is President of HISPAROB, the Spanish Technology Platform for Robotics. Beyond this key role in Spanish robotics, Jorgina is senior strategic advisor for Ghost Robotics. During the Central Event of European Robotics Week in Zaragoza last November, euRobotics was able to cement a strong relationship with a figure who was also recognised in 2023 as one of the “50 Women in Robotics You Need to Know About.” So we decided to find out more about Jorgina. What – or perhaps better, who – did we discover? Read on…
We began with what’s often an insightful question – How young were you when you first discovered an interest in robots?
I’ve always found the world of robotics fascinating, ever since I was a child. Like many from my generation, I grew up watching movies like Star Wars, which sparked my curiosity about what the future might look like with intelligent machines. But at the time, I never imagined I’d one day be working in this field.
My background is actually in telecommunications — I’m a telecom engineer — and for a long time, I didn’t see a direct connection between my studies and robotics. That changed about ten years ago, when I had the opportunity to lead a new robotics business unit at the company I was working for. That experience awakened a passion I think had been quietly waiting in me — a passion for building a better future for people and society through robotics.
Once you’d discovered robotics, what captured your interest?
When I first stepped into the world of robotics, I began researching everything — from major manufacturers to robot types, their evolution, and the history of the field. I was captivated by how this field combines innovation, science, and creativity to address real-world challenges.
One of the things that struck me most was the huge gap between how we imagine robotics — shaped by films and fiction — and the reality of the industry. That gap, in fact, is one of the biggest challenges robotics faces today: managing expectations. There’s a real need to shift the narrative and focus on identifying meaningful, real-world applications for disruptive robotics — solutions to problems that haven’t been solved through traditional means. That challenge, and the potential for real impact, is what drew me in and keeps me motivated.
What are your personal areas of interest within robotics?
Until now, robotics has mostly been associated with industrial environments like factories, assembly lines, and large-scale manufacturing. But we’re entering a new era where robots will become part of many more areas of our daily lives.
I’m particularly passionate about robotics that can save lives — technologies that can operate in dangerous environments, assist in emergency or rescue missions, or support critical healthcare tasks – such as surgical robots that enable less invasive procedures.
This type of robotics has the potential to make a profound impact, and I believe we’re only beginning to see what’s possible.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
My days are quite dynamic — and never boring! In the mornings, I work with the Spanish air navigation service provider, where I focus on innovation and technology-related projects. In the afternoons, I switch gears and dedicate my time to robotics: I advise several robotics companies, and I also have a daily coordination meeting with HispaRob, the Spanish robotics platform.
That meeting is our moment to align on key actions, check our agenda, and organize upcoming calls, events, and initiatives. Every day involves a mix of strategic thinking, collaboration, and a genuine passion for helping robotics move forward — both in Spain and beyond.
Clearly you have a busy day job. Please tell us something about your life beyond your professional activities. What are your other interests?
Outside of work, music is one of my biggest passions — especially classical music and jazz. I try to attend live concerts as often as I can. I also love reading, particularly history and biographies, and lately I’ve been discovering the world of comics — especially Japanese manga. I started with modern authors, but I’ve also become fascinated by the origins of manga, from the sketchbooks of Hokusai to pioneers like Osamu Tezuka, who truly shaped the medium as we know it today.
To stay balanced, I spend a lot of time in nature — I really enjoy trekking — and I also practice yoga regularly, which helps me slow down and recharge.
Do you have a ‘secret skill’ or perhaps a past achievement in a field that’s unrelated to your work?
One of my favourite creative outlets is collage. I love making handmade notebooks where I collect all kinds of memories and visual inspiration — concert and museum tickets, magazine clippings, interesting articles, reflections, photos, even quick sketches on napkins. Over the years, these notebooks have become little time capsules, full of thoughts, textures, and pieces of life.
In work, in life, what motto, mantra or personal guidance do you follow? (and ‘none whatsoever!’ is also an acceptable answer!)
I try to live by a few simple but powerful principles:
Always keep learning, no matter your age or experience.
Don’t waste time or energy on things you can’t control — focus on what you can influence. And above all, never give up. Resilience makes all the difference.
Finally, what message would you give to euRobotics members and fellow professionals within the European robotics sector about the future?
We are fortunate to be living through a transformative era — one where robotics can truly improve our world. As professionals, we have the responsibility not only to advance technology but to shape the kind of future we want to live in. Let’s put people at the centre, and make robotics a force for a more sustainable, human-focused future.
Regarding Europe, I believe we have a unique opportunity and responsibility, to drive this transformation in a way that reflects our values: inclusion, ethics, and a strong social purpose. Europe has the talent and research capacity. If we want to lead the future, we must act faster, support visionaries, and create the conditions for real impact to emerge.
Jorgina Díaz Torres, thank you for sharing some insights into your life with us.