How an electrical engineer lights up the world of robotics

As a child, she created gadgets that lit up. Today, Veronika DeSantis programmes industrial robots and serves as a shining example for young female technicians.

When most people think of robots, they picture humanoid machines or smart vacuums. But few realise the real action happens with the advanced, multi-axis robotic arms used in industry. Just like the ones Veronika DeSantis works at the Innovation Center in Orlando, Florida.

“I never thought I’d be programming robots,” says Veronika, an electrical engineer whose journey started with a unique challenge from her dad.

“Whenever I showed him my creations, he’d ask, ‘Does it light up?’”

That spark ignited her passion, leading her to graduate and start her career at Siemens Energy in 2016.

Being one of the few women in her field didn’t phase her, she always felt supported: “There was a bit of shyness from my male colleagues at first, but once they got used to me, I was just part of the team.”

This article is part of the Energy Workforce in Transition series, brought to you by Siemens Energy and Power Engineering International.

Follow this series to meet the Future Energy Shapers of the energy transition.

Co-working and co-learning

Today, Veronika leads a specialist department of technical engineers, operations and logistics experts at Viable Engineering Solutions, a start-up closely aligned with Siemens Energy and located at its Innovation Center in Orlando.

“The Center is like a big collaborative hub where we co-create and share knowledge with complete trust – all focused on delivering the best results for our clients.”

Before stepping into this leadership role, Veronika thrived on learning new skills. “No two days were ever the same. You never get stuck in a rut, doing the same thing over and over. Just when you think you’ve mastered something, you switch gears and dive into learning something completely new.”

Her passion shines through as she talks. What others might find overwhelming only energises Veronika. “I love being challenged, getting involved in things I’ve never done before. It keeps me on my toes.”

Training robots for ultrasonic testing 

As both an engineer and a mother of three, Veronika wears many hats.

Not only has she documented and written manuals for machines, but she’s also mentored future engineers. Determined to push herself further, she mastered robot programming –specifically, single-arm robots that conduct high-precision, automated ultrasonic testing of turbine blades (see purple box). Like those in Siemens Energy’s latest flagship HL gas turbine.

Her dedication paid off, leading to the formation of a full automation team, and she transitioned into the role of automation engineer.

“My first project was automating horizontal joint machining of turbine parts – something I had no experience with, being no machinist. So, I rolled up my sleeves, spent time in our machine shop, and learned everything, from what a climb cut is versus a conventional cut.”

What is ultrasonic testing?
As an automation engineer, Veronika worked on programming a robot for ultrasonic-based non-destructive examination (NDE) of turbine blades. This method employs high-frequency sound energy for examinations. Ultrasonic inspection can detect flaws, measure dimensions, and characterise materials. It eliminates the need for a human NDE engineer to do it and can capture significantly more data points than an engineer could collect manually.

The tight-knit, interdisciplinary culture at the Innovation Center Orlando fosters growth. “I love that we design, machine, assemble, and test everything under one roof. It makes us faster and ensures we can quickly deliver solutions,” Veronika shares.

This hands-on, collaborative approach keeps her skills sharp and gives everyone the possibility to make a real difference.

Other future energy shapers:
Cynthia Wirth: Meet the woman who sees the energy transition in 3D
Tobias Greitemeier: How hydrogen took a trainee to the future of energy
Andre Willmann: The craftsman who carved a career in gas turbines
‘I am a translator between worlds’ says Mr Fix-It of innovation and AI

Inspiring future female engineers 

Even Veronika sometimes finds herself amazed at how her career has evolved, realising that creativity is a crucial part of engineering.

“It’s not just about relying on artificial intelligence. Real innovation comes from human brains. From people who think outside the box to solve complex problems. The world needs creative minds to push the boundaries of what’s possible,” she says with conviction.

This belief fuels her passion for inspiring the next generation of engineers. As a mother of a six-month-old daughter and two boys, aged two and ten, Veronika enjoys explaining her profession, whether by speaking at a local school or welcoming students to the Innovation Center. “I grab every chance I get to promote careers in technology, especially to young girls and women.”

She’s noticed that while many girls show a natural interest in technology, they often hesitate to pursue it as a career. Veronika feels it’s her mission to turn that little spark into a full-blown passion for technology.

“My robots can be quite impressive for girls and boys. These machines help me share my fascination and inspire young people to develop a deeper interest in technology. And sometimes, they even light up,” she says with a playful twinkle in her eye.