ToDo Robotics is a company that provides delivery and cleaning robots solutions to the hospitality and food service industry. Pulse 2.0 interviewed ToDo Robotics CEO Marianela Nanninga to learn more about the company.
Marianela Nanninga’s Background
Could you tell me more about your background? Nanninga said:
“Absolutely! My multicultural journey began in Valencia, Venezuela, and extended to Italy, where I developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and languages. I’m fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, and I hold a degree in Communications with a minor in Business from La Sapienza and the American University of Rome, followed by an MBA from the Euro MBA Consortium in Maastricht.”
“Before founding ToDo Robotics, I worked across multiple industries, from business development to sales. This path, combined with my passion for innovation, led me to robotics, where I saw an incredible opportunity to bridge operational challenges with cutting-edge solutions. I’m also a proud Latina and a mother of two teenagers who keep me on my toes. Balancing all these worlds gives me energy and perspective every single day.”
Formation Of The Company
How did the idea for the company come together? Nanninga shared:
“The spark for ToDo Robotics came from witnessing businesses struggle with high turnover and labor shortages—problems that felt like shouting, “Help!” in a room full of echoes. I knew robotics could be the answer, but I didn’t want technology to replace humans—I wanted it to work with them. And so, ToDo Robotics was born to provide practical, people-centered solutions that tackle real challenges with innovation and flair. We’re here to empower businesses, not just automate them.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far? Nanninga reflected:
“One of the most touching moments was training a cleaning lady to supervise one of our robots. She later shared that for the first time, she could go home and tell her children she wasn’t “just a cleaning lady,” but someone working with advanced technology. That moment encapsulated why I started ToDo Robotics: to break barriers, inspire confidence, and empower people to reimagine their potential.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Nanninga explained:
“Our product line includes service robots, cleaning robots, and cooking robots, designed for industries like food service, hospitality, healthcare, logistics, education, telemedicine, and retail. But it’s not just about the tech; we deliver 24/7 support, seamless integration, and solutions that make life easier for humans. Our robots handle the repetitive tasks so people can focus on the exciting stuff. Think of them as the ultimate sidekicks, always reliable and ready to go.”
Challenges Faced
Have you faced any challenges in your sector of work recently? Nanninga acknowledged:
“Oh, absolutely. The biggest challenge is overcoming the ‘robots are taking our jobs’ narrative. We focus on transparent conversations and education, showing businesses how robots are meant to complement and support their teams rather than replace them. Flexible purchasing options like leasing also make it easier for companies to dip their toes into automation without fear.”
Evolution Of The Company’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since launching? Nanninga noted:
“Our robots have become smarter and more efficient, thanks to advancements in AI and machine learning. They don’t just work hard—they work smart. For instance, our cleaning robots now optimize their paths and learn to improve their efficiency over time. Additionally, we’ve integrated real-time performance data and reporting features to offer clients actionable insights for operational improvements.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Nanninga cited:
“Winning the 2024 GHCC ‘Future 49 Company of the Year’ and the Good Design Award stand out as major milestones. These accolades not only validate our innovation but also highlight our commitment to creating impactful solutions for our clients. But honestly, my favorite milestones are the ones where I see our robots making a real difference—whether it’s a restaurant running more smoothly or an employee who’s just thrilled to work with tech that makes their job easier.”
Customer Success Stories
Can you share any specific customer success stories? Nanninga highlighted:
“One story that stands out is a hospitality client who told us their cleaning robots weren’t just saving money—they were boosting employee morale. Staff who used to dread repetitive tasks now had time to focus on guests, and their feedback was overwhelmingly positive. It’s proof that when humans and robots team up, everyone wins. This alignment of efficiency and employee morale is what we strive for in every partnership.”
Funding
When asking Nanninga about the company’s funding details, he revealed:
“We’ve been fortunate to secure SBA funding, which has helped us grow steadily. Our revenue has increased thanks to partnerships with incredible clients like major casinos and hotels and Mexican restaurants like El Porton. It’s so rewarding to see the demand for our solutions continue to climb.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Nanninga assessed:
“We’re dreaming big! Our robots are designed for industries worth billions collectively—hospitality, food service, healthcare, and retail are just the beginning. As automation becomes increasingly indispensable, the possibilities feel endless. We see immense potential for growth in both established and emerging markets.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Nanninga affirmed:
“Hands down, it’s our heart. We don’t just deliver technology—we deliver partnerships. Beyond delivering cutting-edge technology, we provide consulting, installation, maintenance, and round-the-clock support. Our commitment to customer satisfaction, paired with our focus on ethical and sustainable deployment illustrates that our primary motivation lies in making our clients’ lives easier.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future goals? Nanninga pointed out:
“We aim to expand our presence in emerging markets, continue integrating AI into our products, and broaden our impact in industries like education and retail. Ultimately, we aspire to be the benchmark for robotics and automation solutions in the U.S.”
“We have big plans! Short term, we’re continuing to integrate AI into our products while expanding into new markets and verticals like education and retail. Long term, we want ToDo Robotics to become the name in commercial robotics. We aspire to be the benchmark for robotics and automation solutions in the U.S. And, personally, I’m excited to keep championing diversity and inclusion in tech. The more perspectives we bring in, the brighter our future looks.”
Additional Thoughts
Any other topics you would like to discuss? Nanninga concluded:
“I’d love to discuss how diversity and inclusion can drive innovation in robotics because, as a Latina leader, I’m deeply passionate about empowering underrepresented groups to thrive in tech. Robotics isn’t just about machines; it’s about creating opportunities for people to grow, dream, and contribute to an exciting future. As one of the few Latina CEOs in this space, I want to show that tech isn’t just for engineers—it’s for dreamers, doers, and anyone ready to change the world. The possibilities are endless when we make space for everyone to shine.”
