U.S. Sens. Dave McCormick (R-PA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Todd Young (R-IN), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) introduced legislation recently to create an independent commission on robotics.
The National Commission on Robotics Act would establish the commission to evaluate the country’s competitiveness in robotics, and to eventually recommend policies that would strengthen U.S. leadership in that field. Officials said the legislation comes as the country’s dependence on foreign-manufactured robotics technology raises questions about supply chain security, economic competitiveness, national defense and workforce development.
“Pennsylvania, and Pittsburgh especially, is an incredible hub of robotics talent and demonstrates that American leadership in robotics creates high-paying jobs, strengthens domestic supply chains, and drives long-term growth,” McCormick said. “The Commission on American Leadership in Robotics will bring together leading experts to help ensure the United States maintains its technological edge over our adversaries and builds the workforce needed to succeed in a technology-driven future.”
Specifically, the commission would evaluate and make recommendations on the competitiveness of the United States in the robotics sector, the availability of the means and methods to maintain a U.S. technological advantage in the sector, the actions of foreign governments to advance robotics, and the partnerships the federal government can create to enhance the country’s economic competitiveness.
The commission will deliver an interim report to Congress and the President within one year of establishment and a final report with concrete recommendations within two years of establishment.
The bill received support from Gecko Robotics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh Technology Council, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute, Agility Robotics, Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Association for Advancing Automation (A3), FANUC America, Technology Councils of North America (TECNA), the Colorado Technology Association, Advanced Construction Robotics, Carnegie Robotics, Near Earth Autonomy, HEBI Robotics, Robots for America, the New American Industrial Alliance, and the Mass Technology Leadership Council.
“Global competition around robotics and AI is accelerating quickly, and the U.S. must move decisively to remain the global leader. A national robotics strategy is essential to strengthening American industry, infrastructure, energy, and national security, while accelerating innovation and high-skilled jobs. Gecko, from our Pittsburgh headquarters to facilities around the world, is at the forefront of companies transforming critical industries using robotics and stands firmly behind Senator McCormick and Senator Hickenlooper’s initiative,” Jake Loosararian, co-founder and CEO of Gecko Robotics, said.
Companion legislation will be introduced in the House by U.S. Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) and Jennifer McClellan (D-VA). The bills have bipartisan support in both arms of Congress.
“America’s robotics leadership will be built on strong research institutions, a skilled workforce, resilient supply chains, and bold entrepreneurs going after big problems. This commission is exactly the kind of federal commitment our industry needs. We strongly support this legislation and urge that workforce development, technology transfer, supply chain resilience, and academic-industry partnerships be central in its considerations,” Audrey Russo, President and CEO, Pittsburgh Technology Council.