The Pittsburgh Robotics Network and Odense Robotics Announce Partnership at Automatica

The organizations highlighted the global impact of the robotics industry and the importance of working together.

Pittsburgh Robotics Network


Odense Robotics CEO Søren Elmer Kristensen (left) and PRN Interim Executive Director Jenn Apicella (right) gathered in Munich to announce their new transatlantic partnership.
The two organizations represent two of the largest robotics hubs in the world.

The Pittsburgh Robotics and Denmark's Odense Robotics have entered a strategic partnership designed to generate transatlantic business growth opportunities. The organizations said by working together they are constructing a ‘robotics bridge’ across the Atlantic.

The agreement was announced today at the Automatica trade fair in Munich, Germany, where Odense Robotics and Pittsburgh Robotics Network are taking part in shared activities to promote industry collaboration.

“This is the start of a very exciting partnership. There are many similarities between our two ecosystems and together we can create new growth opportunities for companies in both countries. Pittsburgh is one of the world’s leading robotics ecosystems, so we are proud to enter this collaboration agreement with Pittsburgh Robotics Network,” Odense Robotics CEO Søren Elmer Kristensen said in a statement.

“The strong global demand for automation solutions means that Danish and American robotics companies share many opportunities and challenges. Through this strategic partnership, our ambition is to create new growth opportunities for robotics companies in the Pittsburgh region and Denmark and strengthen the uptake of robotics technology in many sectors. Market adoption doesn’t care about borders,” said Jenn Apicella, interim executive director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network.

Pittsburgh to benefit from federal funding

The Pittsburgh Robotics Network also highlighted that Pittsburgh will benefit from a $62.7 million Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The southwestern Pennsylvania region is one of only 21 applicants to receive this funding.

The network said the funding will supercharge the region’s robotics and autonomy technology sector through projects such as the Robotics Factory, which is led by Innovation Works and is designed to fuel the growth and evolution of robotics startups at all levels of maturity by offering comprehensive support via its innovative Create, Accelerate, and Scale programs.

It added that these three distinct programs ensure a robust pipeline for technological innovation, drive startup growth through financial backing and mentorship, and facilitate the development of production-ready products with an array of manufacturing resources and industry connections.

Over 90 public and private organizations across 11 counties in southwestern Pennsylvania have collaborated as part of the grant coalition, underlining the region’s commitment to advancing the robotics industry cluster, it said. 

The Pittsburgh Robotics Network

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Pittsburgh Robotics Network

Odense Robotics CEO Søren Elmer Kristensen (left) and PRN Interim Executive Director Jenn Apicella (right) gathered in Munich to announce their new transatlantic partnership.


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