Raphael Cherney

Raphael Cherney is a versatile engineering and product leader with extensive experience in hardware and software design, ranging from transistor-level electronics to mobile app UX. They co-founded Root Robotics, where they developed and launched the Root robot and app, aimed at teaching coding to children; this venture was later acquired by iRobot. Currently, as a Robotics Research Engineer and Instructor at Northwestern University, Raphael develops novel robotic systems and facilitates student learning. Previously, they held key roles at prominent organizations, including iRobot, NASA, and Microsoft, contributing to innovations in educational robotics and STEAM education.