Pittsburgh-based Gecko Robotics, a developer and operator of robots used in automated infrastructure inspections, was recently awarded $120,000 through the Job Creation Tax Credit program.
Funding will be used to expand its facility, attract engineering talent, hire operators to perform inspections, tap into new markets, and further develop its research and development robot and software projects.
The company will retain 39 employees and hire 120 new employees and has committed to investing $16.1 million in the project.
“Companies like Gecko Robotics are using innovation to improve business practices, create more efficient processes, and protect workers,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “The advancements we are seeing in the tech and innovation sector, particularly in the Pittsburgh region, will serve as a model across the nation for years to come.”
Gecko Robotics was founded in 2013. It has developed wall-climbing robots that perform inspections typically done by humans. These robots create safer workplaces, save companies costs and dramatically reducing downtime, the company said.
The company was founded by Jake Loosararian.
The Job Creation Tax Credit program is offered through the Department of Community and Economic Development. Businesses are awarded a $1,000-per-job tax credit to create jobs within three years and must create at least 25 new jobs.