Neuraville
Sepro America
The majority of Aurora’s 1,600 employees are based in Pittsburgh
Automated farming, with a tomato harvesting robot that not only collects but inspects as well →
Bosch Research and Technology Center
Drones that capture aerial imagery to measure quantities, production and progress at worksites →
Platform for self-driving cars, delivery vehicles and trucks; partners with Uber, Toyota, Volvo →
Mobile robots that plant seeds in rows on large farms, currently testing in Ohio, Illinois and Iowa →
Rapid Flow Technologies
Automated robots that collect data about water quality, at the surface or up to 100 feet below →
Platform for self-driving taxis; joint venture of Aptiv and Hyundai; partnership with Lyft →
Seegrid
Identified Technologies
Aurora Innovation
Private non-profit that provides consulting and training for manufacturers
Rowbot
Software that makes robots work — localization, mapping, motion planning and control →
Wall-climbing robots that inspect industrial structures, measuring thickness and corrosion →
The information on this website comes from the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, its members’ websites, and publicly available information as of May 1, 2023.
If you see content that needs to be modified, updated or removed, kindly reach out to info@robopgh.org
3D capture of unpaved terrain to help self-driving vehicles navigate safely when off-road →
Platypus
Motional
Mobile robots for hospitals and hospitality that perform delivery and transportation tasks →
State-funded accelerator that invests in seed-stage companies in southwestern Pennsylvania
Platform that collects data from utility infrastructure to assess status and identify anomalies →
Gecko Robotics
Robots that pick pieces, handle materials and transport totes within factories and warehouses →
Mesh Robotics
Joe Zeff Design, Inc. is a design firm
that helps companies tell better stories.
Aethon
Retail intelligence platform that turns store imagery into inventory data and insights →
Smart trash cans that sort landfill waste from recyclables then notify trucks to be emptied →
Automated helicopters and drones to transport people, deliver goods and conduct inspections →
Platform for self-driving long-haul trucks that move in electronically connected convoys →
Locomation
Mach9 Robotics
Bossanova
IAM Robotics
Safety solution for autonomous vehicles that uses biological principles to reduce risk of collisions →
CleanRobotics
Near Earth Autonomy
Kiwibot
Bridge-building robots that use AI to place and install steel rebar used for reinforcing concrete →
SAFETY
Farming platform with AI-powered cameras that assess plant health and other characteristics →
Reflex AI
THE STEEL CITY HAS A NEW STORY TO TELL, POWERED BY
SELF-DRIVING CARS, BRIDGE-BUILDING ROBOTS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AIMED AT TACKLING OUR PLANET’S HARDEST PROBLEMS
Advanced Construction Robotics
High-definition digital maps of real-world places used for infrastructure, mobility and transportation →
Autonomous pharmacies that dispense medications; software that boosts adherence →
COMPANIES
MAPPING
Mapping software that identifies objects from footage and labels them on digital maps →
Allvision
3D capture of underground mines to make digital copies that can be accessed offsite →
Omnicell
Systems to automate manufacturing, founded by researchers from CMU’s Robotics Institute →
Delivery robots from S.F. startup that deliver food on 20 college campuses, including Pitt →
Roadbotics
Billed as the world's fastest shoes, Moonwalkers enable users to walk 2.5x faster without extra effort →
Moonwalkers attracted hundreds of backers in its Kickstarter campaign
robotics-based patents between 2015-18
Mine Vision Systems
ORGANIZATIONS
CONSUMER PRODUCTS
$3.4B
Human Engineering Research
Laboratories (HERL)
Savor Robotics
Starship Technologies
294
RE2 Robotics
Robots and sensors for the defense industry and first responders →
Shift Robotics
Robots that pick up parts and assemble them using AI cameras that can detect specific objects →
in venture capital and
private equity since 2012
robotics-related jobs in the Pittsburgh region
Mission planning and computer vision solutions for unmanned vehicles in complex environments →
QinetiQ-NA
Bito Robotics
4moms’ mamaRoo4 infant seat features 25 combinations of motions and speeds
MEDICINE
CHANGING THE WAY WE WORK
Software, curricula and tools to help schoolchildren learn about robotics →
CapSen Robotics
14,900
Neya Systems
FACTORIES & WAREHOUSES
FOOD
Robomatter
Programmable kits for students of all ages, from Pre-K through college →
This page was created by Joe Zeff Design and the Pittsburgh Robotics Network.
A SUCCESS STORY NEARLY 100 YEARS IN THE MAKING
RETAIL
Started in 1979 in partnership with Westinghouse, the world’s largest robotics research and development organization →
EDUCATION
Semi-autonomous robots from L.A. startup being tested in Bloomfield, Garfield and Lawrenceville →
VEX Robotics
The robot, named Herbert Televox, was programmed to accept a telephone call by lifting the receiver and operate switches based on the signals it received.
Builds and operates lunar landers, rovers and autonomous systems for space missions →
A mind-controlled robotic arm developed by University of Pittsburgh researchers at its Human Engineering Research Laboratories
Originally Google’s Self-Driving Car Project, Waymo opened a Pittsburgh office in 2021
HEALTHCARE
Carnegie Mellon University
Robotics Institute
INSPECTIONS & MAINTENANCE
Robots that control injection molding machines for automotive, multimedia and packaging industries →
Roy James Wensley builds the world’s first humanoid robot at Westinghouse Electric’s East Pittsburgh laboratories.
ENVIRONMENT
1992
Astrobotic Technologies
The PRN represents the companies and leaders
who make up Pittsburgh’s robotics ecosystem. Its membership has grown to more than 100, including the world’s leaders in autonomous vehicle development.
AGRICULTURE
UK company with med-tech portfolio, including surgical robotics firm Blue Belt Technologies →
Robots with arms and legs that walk, run and climb stairs, founded by two Carnegie Mellon alumni →
robotics companies in the Pittsburgh region
Maintenance robots for jets, including one that strips paint from Air Force planes using lasers →
1927
Company that makes interactions between humans and robots safer, simpler and more efficient →
ABOUT THIS PAGE
CMU researcher Dean Pomerleau and Ph.D. student Todd Jochem complete the first cross-country trip by an autonomous vehicle.
Pittsburgh Robotics Network is an organization dedicated to the growth and promotion of the region’s robotics companies.
MINING
Mechatronic, circuit board and user interface design and services for building robots →
100+
Titan Robotics
Carnegie Mellon University opens its Robotics Institute, the first robotics department at any U.S. university, with a $3 million industrial research grant from Westinghouse.
Phlux
robotics doctorate program in the world
1995
Sources: Pittsburgh Robotics Network, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, TEConomy Partners, LLC report for RIDC and Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
CONSTRUCTION
Smith+Nephew
Agility Robotics
Agility Robotics’ Digit robot was built to work alongside people
An operating unit within CMU’s Robotics Institute that develops robotic technologies for government and industry →
DELIVERY
Also part of CMU’s Robotics Institute, focused on mobile robots in field environments like worksites and natural terrain →
1979
#1
Platform for self-driving taxis and long-haul trucks, started as Google Self-Driving Car Project →
AEROSPACE & DEFENSE
SKA Custom Robots and Machines
RESEARCH CENTERS
Nine years later, CMU becomes the world’s first university to offer a Ph.D. program for robotics.
Argo and Aurora, now worth billions, set plans to go public.
National Robotics Engineering
Center (NREC)
CARS & TRUCKS
CMU professor Sebastian Thrun develops Simultaneous Location and Mapping (SLAM), an algorithm enabling robots to navigate through unfamiliar environments.
Waymo
Seegrid autonomous mobile robots use sensors and algorithms to see, understand and learn
Field Robotics Center
A team led by CMU professor Red Whittaker develops robots to clean nuclear contamination at Three Mile Island, then spins off as RedZone Robotics.
Pittsburgh Robotics Network, started in 2016 with 35 members, passes the 100-member mark.
Eye-bot
2002
Four Growers
Safe Space Technologies
Friendly robots that can interact with people, and toy racecars powered by artificial intelligence →
1983
TRAFFIC
Carnegie Mellon's National Robotics Engineering Center occupies a
100,000 sq. ft. factory in Lawrenceville
Digital Dream Labs
Kits containing lights, motors and sensors that teach fundamentals of robotics →
Today, the system is part of Omnicell’s autonomous hospital pharmacy solution.
Platform that allows people to share and interact with robotic devices using their smartphones →
Automated food services, including a robot that assembles and packages grab-and-go meals →
McKesson Automation expands one of the industry’s early commercial successes:
ROBOT-Rx, a system developed by Pittsburgh-based Automated Healthcare that sorts and dispenses prescription medication in hospitals.
Realbotics
Mobile scanners and software that generate 3D “digital twins” used by engineers →
Robotic arms that solve complex problems in aviation, construction, defense and other fields →
University of Pittsburgh-based lab that is part of the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, focused on mobility solutions for disabled people →
Mobile robots, carts and cabinets that disinfect air and surfaces using ultraviolet light →
2022
Traffic signals that modulate flows of cars, pedestrians and buses based on real-time data →
Kaarta
Mobile robots that clean and disinfect, spun out from Carnegie Robotics in 2020 →
Public-private partnership to promote region’s economic future and quality of life
EXPLORE THE ECOSYSTEM
CMU receives a $150 million grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation to expand manufacturing and robotics.
Thoro.ai
Kiwibots deliver
food, medicine
and books to Pittsburghers
2021
Drones that take inventory inside warehouses, locate items and monitor temperatures →
High-quality datasets used for asset management, engineering and construction →
Gather AI
Validates safety of autonomous vehicle systems for real-world deployment →
Members of the team that developed Boss, CMU’s self-driving Chevrolet Tahoe, went on to found companies including Argo AI, Aurora Innovation and Locomation.
Edge Case Research
CMU wins the DARPA Urban Challenge, an event requiring teams to build an autonomous vehicle capable of driving in traffic.
2007
Salt Lake City-based Sarcos Robotics announces plans to acquire Pittsburgh's RE2 Robotics as part of a $100 million transaction.
Navlab5, a customized minivan, steered itself for 2,797 miles, using video to determine the appropriate direction for the vehicle.
Networking, evangelism for technology ecosystem
Networking, evangelism for southwestern Pennsylvania
Federally-funded national consortium advancing the use of robotics in manufacturing
Pittsburgh Regional Alliance
AND MUCH MORE
Nonprofit developer that converts obsolete properties into technology hubs
CHANGING THE WAY WE MOVE
Actuators, software and other building blocks needed to manufacture robots →
Main Street Autonomy
Locomation’s convoy solution pairs trucks driven by humans with autonomous trucks that follow
Advanced robotics, sensors and autonomous solutions for business and government →
HEBI Robotics
Public-private partnership that incubates and promotes companies
Smart infant seats that replicate bouncing and swaying motions; other baby products →
Networking, evangelism
for robotics ecosystem
Carnegie Robotics
4moms
Programmable system that emulates the physical characteristics of prostheses and exoskeletons →
CHANGING THE WAY WE LIVE
Robots that move through pipes to inspect and repair wastewater systems →
CMU-based women’s robotics team
Networking, evangelism for startups
Upon returning to Pittsburgh after 29 years, Joe was surprised to learn how robotics had turned his hometown upside down. This page strives to make the ecosystem more accessible — the first of many ways Joe hopes to share Pittsburgh’s story with the world.
Lightweight actuators and clutches used to perform robotic functions →
Multiyear partnership with CMU to automate long-haul trucks used in mining operations →
Humotech
Girls of Steel Robotics
RedZone Robotics
Birdbrain Technologies
Innovation Works’ accelerator for early-stage hardware companies
Astrobotic’s Peregrine Lander delivers payloads to the Moon
RustBuilt Pittsburgh
Bloomfield Robotics
ESTAT Actuation
Caterpillar Pittsburgh Automation Center
Startup focused on increasing cognitive capabilities of robots so they can do more things →
RE2 Robotics uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to deliver and install solar panels
R&D for Bosch applications and IoT devices; also, Bosch Center for Artificial Intelligence →
Autonomous mobile robots, forklifts, trucks and tractors that transport materials inside facilities →
This page was created by
Joe Zeff Design and the Pittsburgh Robotics Network.
Robots that control injection molding machines for automotive, multimedia and packaging →
PITTSBURGH
Automated farming, with a tomato harvesting robot that not only collects but inspects as well →
Mobile robots that plant seeds in rows on large farms, currently testing in Ohio, Illinois and Iowa →
UK company with med-tech portfolio, including surgical robotics firm Blue Belt Technologies →
Automated robots that collect data about water quality, at the surface or up to 100 feet below →
100+ robotics companies in the Pittsburgh region
THE STEEL CITY HAS A NEW STORY TO TELL, POWERED BY SELF-DRIVING CARS,
BRIDGE-BUILDING ROBOTS AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AIMED AT TACKLING OUR PLANET’S HARDEST PROBLEMS
14,900 robotics-related jobs in the Pittsburgh region
The information on this website comes from the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, its members’ websites, and publicly available information as of May 1, 2023.
If you see content that needs to be modified, updated or removed, kindly reach out to info@robopgh.org
1995
$3.4B in venture capital & private equity since 2012
Drones that capture aerial imagery to measure quantities, production and progress at worksites →
Navlab5, a customized minivan, steered itself for 2,797 miles, using video to determine the appropriate direction for the vehicle.
Sources: Pittsburgh Robotics Network; Pittsburgh Regional Alliance; TEConomy Partners, LLC report for RIDC and Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce
Joe Zeff Design, Inc. is a design firm
that helps companies tell better stories.
Billed as the world's fastest shoes, Moonwalkers enable users to walk 2.5x faster without extra effort →
Argo and Aurora, each now worth billions, announce plans to go public.
CMU researcher Dean Pomerleau and Ph.D. student Todd Jochem complete the first cross-country trip by an autonomous vehicle.
ROBOTICS CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
2022
Members of the team that developed Boss, CMU’s self-driving Chevrolet Tahoe, went on to found Argo AI, Aurora Innovation and Locomation.
294 robotics-based patents between 2015-18
#1 robotics doctorate program in the world
Company that makes interactions between humans and robots safer, simpler and more efficient →
Friendly robots that can interact with people, and toy racecars powered by artificial intelligence →
CMU receives a $150 million grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation to expand manufacturing and robotics.
2021
CMU professor Sebastian Thrun develops Simultaneous Location and Mapping (SLAM), an algorithm enabling robots to navigate through unfamiliar environments.
Robots that move through pipes to inspect and repair wastewater systems →
Upon returning to Pittsburgh after 29 years, Joe was surprised to learn how robotics had turned his hometown upside down. This page strives to make the ecosystem more accessible — the first of many ways Joe hopes to share Pittsburgh’s story with the world.
Innovation Works' accelerator for early-stage hardware companies
Farming platform with AI-powered cameras that assess plant health and other characteristics →
McKesson Automation expands one of the industry’s early commercial successes: ROBOT-Rx, a system developed by Pittsburgh’s Automated Healthcare that sorts and dispenses prescription medications in hospitals.