The Pittsburgh Robotics Network today invited the public to “step into the heart of the robotics capital of the world” at its Pittsburgh Robotics Discovery Day at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. The organization said the event is “for anyone curious about the robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence technologies that are revolutionizing our world.”
“We're looking forward to showcasing the incredible talent and innovation that exists in the Pittsburgh region,” said Jenn Apicella, interim executive director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN). “Pittsburgh Robotics Discovery Day is more than just an event; it's an interactive opportunity for attendees to engage with the trailblazers in robotics and AI, discover how these technologies are shaping our everyday lives, and discover ways they can be a part of building our future.”
The PRN said it represents the companies and leaders who make up the Pittsburgh robotics ecosystem, which is anchored by Carnegie Mellon University and includes more than 140 robotics organizations. Its stated mission is “to accelerate the adoption of robotics by bridging this large and dynamic community to the world.”
The PRN said it provides networking opportunities, works to strengthen the Pittsburgh robotics ecosystem, and seeks to increase its international recognition.
Pittsburgh Robotics Discovery Day
The Pittsburgh Robotics Network said that the event will feature live demonstrations of robots and AI technologies that are changing how people live, move, and work.
The free Pittsburgh Robotics Discovery Day will be a venue for tech aficionados, business professionals, students, and the general public to gather and meet. It will include multiple zones to explore, including:
Robotics Zone
Attendees can experience up close the wide variety of technologies being developed by robotics companies in the Pittsburgh region, with on-site demonstrations. The intent is to help them to better understand their purpose and potential, and they can speak with the innovators behind these advancements, said the PRN.
Career Pathways Zone
Students, workers, and job seekers can learn about numerous educational and training resources available in the region, according to the PRN.
“Whether you are already a tech professional or are entirely new to these fields, a career in robotics could be in your future,” it asserted. “Learn why the world’s best tech talent hails from, and is attracted to, Pittsburgh.”
Community Zone
Attendees can also discover the nonprofit organizations, business-development resources, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) partners that are integral to Pittsburgh’s robotics cluster.
Pittsburgh Robotics Network expects strong attendance
After a successful inaugural event in 2022, which saw more than 4,500 attendees engage with over 80 exhibitors, Pittsburgh Robotics Discovery Day will include more demonstrations and an additional 42,000 sq. ft. of exhibitor space, said the PRN. It added that it plans to make more events as the event draws closer.
“Pittsburgh is a recognized global leader in robotics and artificial intelligence, and this event opens this work up to the public, and invites all to engage with and be a part of this innovative and dynamic community,” added Apicella.
“This is also an opportunity for businesses to find strategic partners, students and job seekers to connect with a variety of career and training programs, investors to identify growing startups, and so much more,” she said. “It's all happening at Pittsburgh Robotics Discovery Day.”
Registration is free, but the PRN encouraged all attendees to register in advance because it expects the event to attract a large audience.
Build Back Better grant supports event
Pittsburgh Robotics Discovery Day is an initiative led by the Pittsburgh Robotics Network in partnership with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission and the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. The event is supported by the Southwestern Pennsylvania New Economy Collaborative as part of a Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
The Southwestern Pennsylvania New Economy Collaborative is an 11-county coalition of labor, nonprofit, and university partners advancing the region’s robotics and automation cluster through public-private-philanthropic partnership. It was one of 21 winners of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge, which aims to boost economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The collaborative was awarded a $62.7 million grant to fund five regional projects focused on robotics adoption and commercialization and related workforce development. Together, these projects are designed to provide long-term opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities in southwestern Pennsylvania to participate in its growing robotics and automation sector.
The collaborative is led by a governing board co-chaired by Farnam Jahanian, president of Carnegie Mellon University, and Stefani Pashman, CEO of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development.
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