The Robotics Factory, run by Innovation Works, boosts robotics innovation in Southwestern Pennsylvania through three programs: Create, Accelerate, and Scale.
Create organizes summits, like the recent Defense & Robotics Summit, to connect startups with industry leaders for real-world robotics solutions.
Accelerate supports early-stage companies through mentorship, funding, and networking.
Scale offers resources for growth-stage companies, helping them prototype and form manufacturing partnerships.
This project strengthens Pittsburgh’s role as a robotics hub by guiding startups from concept to scale, fostering industry partnerships, creating jobs, and meeting sector-specific needs in industries like agriculture, defense, and healthcare.
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Velo.ai, a graduate of the Robotics Factory’s Accelerate program, developed Copilot, an AI-powered bicycle light and camera system that enhances cyclist safety and collects valuable data on road conditions and vehicle interactions. Initially advised to move manufacturing to China, founder Clark Haynes instead partnered locally with Hellbender, Inc., enabling quick prototyping & local economic impact. Copilot’s success led to a pilot with the City of Roanoke, Virginia, to analyze bike safety data as part of a city campaign. Velo.ai is now expanding similar pilot projects to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Pittsburgh, furthering its mission of safer, data-driven biking solutions.
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Adoption:
Robotics & AI Expansion forSmall & Medium Enterprises
Adoption:
Robotics & AIManufacturing Hub
Upskilling:
Expanded Pathways to New Economy Careers
Commercialization:
Robotics & AIStartup Factory
Commercialization:
Expanded Pathways to Entrepreneurship
Robotics & AI Expansion for
Small & Medium Enterprises
Robotics & AI
Manufacturing Hub
Expanded Pathways to New Economy Careers
Robotics & AI Startup Factory
Expanded Pathways to Entrepreneurship
