Margaret Zhu
Finance.
Serpent Robotics builds intelligent, precision-guided tools that extend human capability in the most dangerous environments, starting with tree care. We combine cutting-edge robotics with human insight to make arborist work safer, faster, and more accessible.
Serpent Robotics is founded on the belief that machines should amplify human skill, not replace it. Arborists carry generations of craft and physical intelligence, yet they work in one of the most dangerous professions in America, facing risks every three days. Serpent Robotics exists to reduce that risk, without diminishing the craft.
Serpent Robotics was founded at the University of Pennsylvania by business, design and engineering students committed to bringing robotics into real-world applications that matter. We began Serpent Robotics with a clear belief: robotics should protect the people who protect our environment.
We test constantly - on real ropes, real limbs, and real job sites. We show up at industry events, listen to working arborists, and keep our design grounded in what crews actually face every day. Our roadmap is built with feedback from the experts who climb, rig, and cut for a living.
Finance.
Software Engineering & Operations.
Mechanical Engineering.
Engineering.
Electrical Engineering.
Design.
Technology Advisor. Director of GRASP Lab, Asa Whitney Professor.
Technology Advisor. Inventor of E Ink, National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Industry Advisor. Chief Arborist, Morris Arboretum of University of Pennsylvania.
Industry Advisor. Safety Supervisor, Wright Tree Service.
Founded at Penn with support from cross-campus programs and research community.
Accelerator programming and mentor network supporting product readiness.
Business plan and commercialization mentorship for Penn Engineering technologies.
Penn Engineering Entrepreneurship cohort supporting early-stage founders.
Multiple awards recognizing Serpent's product vision and execution.
Completed cohort focused on customer discovery and commercialization.
Serpent Robotics is part of an academic project for the Integrated Product Design final project (IPD799). Learn more about the program on the IPD site.
Visit the IPD website