Jennifer Apicella: Robots built in Pittsburgh changing the world

In the heart of Southwestern Pennsylvania, a robotics revolution is unfolding.

Examples of paradigm-shattering robotics and automation companies fill our neighborhoods. Some, like Astrobotic, pull the national spotlight by launching a historic mission to the moon. Inside Aurora, teams are creating autonomous vehicle solutions that are radically changing the trucking industry by increasing safety and efficiency.

All told, here in town, there are more than 110 companies, employing more than 7,000 people revolutionizing autonomy across more than 14 industries. The depth and breadth of this is impressive not just locally, but globally, making Pittsburgh the Robotics Capital of the World.

This vibrant community of entrepreneurs, engineers, technicians and operating staff working and living in the Pittsburgh region is no accident. This is largely attributed to the specialized expertise of a core community of regional robotics researchers and entrepreneurs from Carnegie Mellon University who developed groundbreaking innovations over the past several decades.

Global labor shortages have increased the demand for automation from key industry markets. This has resulted in an unprecedented opportunity to accelerate the commercialization and adoption of these technologies. Our region has the ability to increase economic prosperity by capitalizing on our existing strengths.

The Pittsburgh Robotics Network represents the voice of this robotics cluster and connects this dynamic community with the world. We convene strategic stakeholders and fast-track access to much needed resources for these businesses to grow. We collaborate with the region’s most prominent leaders, including the ARM Institute, which is this nation’s leading robotics manufacturing innovation institute, as well as respected economic development institutions such as the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. We support business growth through our partnership with the Robotics Factory, which expedites access to vital resources for the creation, acceleration and scaling of robotics companies.

While progress has been made, ongoing efforts still are needed to advance Pennsylvania’s innovation economy and global competitiveness. Today, we have the opportunity to take a major step forward in that direction.

Gov. Josh Shapiro, while speaking last year at the Pittsburgh Aviation and Robotics Summit, made his mission clear: Pennsylvania is open for business.

Recognizing the need for a strategic, long-term vision, the administration is unveiling a comprehensive, 10-year Economic Development Strategy. This isn’t just a plan; it’s a promise of a robust, forward-thinking Pennsylvania that recognizes challenges and turns them into opportunities. The Pittsburgh Robotics Network is fully aligned with this strategy.

Shapiro’s administration already has shown remarkable progress. In just a year, they have catalyzed more than $1.2 billion in private sector investments. His strategy boldly charts a course towards a thriving future, focusing on five pivotal goals: fueling economic growth, making government more efficient, fostering equal opportunities, driving innovation and nurturing vibrant communities.

Central to this strategy are five key sectors poised for explosive growth and job creation: agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing and our favorite, robotics and technology.

Pittsburgh robotics companies are leading the way in these areas. For example, companies like Four Growers and Bloomfield Robotics are redefining agriculture with solutions that can enhance worldwide food production and prove beneficial for small-scale farmers in developing nations. Gecko Robotics safeguards vital energy infrastructure through advanced robotic inspections, improving safety and facilitating data-driven decisions. In health care, companies like Cell X Technologies, Smith+Nephew and Omnicell are at the forefront, transforming everything from cellular research to patient care to surgical robotics. These organizations are just a few examples of Pittsburgh’s transformative impact, blending innovation with practical solutions that improve lives around the world.

Pennsylvania’s numerous advantages, including strategic location, diverse talent and rich resources, coupled with more than 190,000 skilled graduates and significant research and development funding, have already catalyzed innovation leaps in robotics and AI. The $13 million Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites Program (PA SITES) further boosts this, making the state an ideal business location. These combined efforts, unified under Shapiro’s grand vision, will allow Pittsburgh’s robotics ecosystem to shine bright and be positioned for continued growth.

Our shared vision for Pennsylvania is clear and ambitious. We envision a Pennsylvania in which businesses, big and small, find fertile ground for innovation and growth, and every resident has access to family-sustaining jobs and fulfilling careers. The implementation of this strategy will undoubtedly face challenges, and there are barriers to overcome, but with challenges come opportunities.

The governor’s full Economic Development Strategy is available for review at PAGetsItDone.com. This economic plan is not just about numbers and policies; it’s about turning Southwestern Pennsylvania into a leader for robotics and technology. It’s an invitation for all to have a place in this historic transformation. This is our chance to be at the forefront of an exciting journey that will redefine our region and beyond. Let’s seize this opportunity.

Pennsylvania is indeed open for business. But more importantly, Pennsylvania is ready for the future. Pittsburgh is an established powerhouse for robotics and innovation, and we are now being offered the ability to scale this to a level that brings lasting stability and economic strength for decades to come across the commonwealth. This is our region’s legacy, the time is now and we are ready.

Jennifer Apicella is executive director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network.