Pittsburgh weekly roundup: AI civil rights bill; Green tech pays off; Local immigrant impact

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New bill aims to address algorithmic bias

Introduced by recently re-elected US House Rep. Summer Lee, the Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act would require federal agencies to file reports on AI bias and offer recommendations for improvement. 

“AI bias is a real and pressing issue,” Lee told Technical.ly, “that’s impacting people right here in Pittsburgh.”

Lee cited examples of algorithmic bias, including the use of facial recognition technology by local police during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests and flawed algorithms in family welfare assessments. The bill proposes creating an Office of Civil Rights within each agency to oversee and address bias and discrimination in agency systems. 

➡️ Discover how the bill aims to combat AI bias

Phipps reaps benefits of green energy tech

Pittsburgh is emerging as a hub for green innovation. With three fully certified living buildings and the world’s most rigorous green building standard, the city is on the global green architecture map. 

One of those certified buildings is the Center for Sustainable Landscapes (CSL) at Phipps Conservatory, which relies heavily on technology to meet its high sustainability goals. 

“Technology is crucial to the success of buildings like the CSL,” Adam Haas, interpretive programs manager at Phipps, told Technical.ly. “Robust energy models were essential during the design phase, and we integrated several innovative materials that were new to us at the time.”

➡️ Learn about the green energy tech that powers this Phipps building

News Incubator: What else to know

• ICYMI: Catch up on our election coverage, including the technical issues that arose in Pennsylvania on Election Day, Trump’s stance on the CHIPS and Science Act and where recently elected officials stand on key tech policy issues. [Technical.ly]

• Approximately 80% of the Technical.ly RealLIST startups that responded to a recent survey reported new funding and revenue streams in the last six months, ranging from $30,000 to $700,000. [Technical.ly]

• Pittsburgh’s Hispanic population grew by 80% over the last decade, now making up 4% of the city’s total population. Hispanic workers represent 3.5% of the city’s tech workforce, closely aligning with their share of the overall population.  [Technical.ly]

• The Community College of Allegheny County launched the first registered electric vehicle technician apprenticeship program in the country at its West Hills Campus in Oakdale. The one-year, tuition-free program will pair students with local dealerships for paid on-the-job training. [WESA]

• County Executive Sara Innamorato highlighted the need for expanded tech use in county government at a recent Tech Council event. She pointed to the launch of a new website to track government initiatives and a budget dashboard to show how tax dollars are spent. [Pittsburgh Business Times]

• Supply chain services company Wesco International announced its definitive agreement to acquire Ascent, a data center facility management company in St. Louis, for $185 million. Wesco, the second-largest public company in the Pittsburgh region, has been expanding through acquisitions over the last few years. [Wesco]

• Coherent, a manufacturer of lasers, batteries and semiconductors, is exploring strategic alternatives for its battery technology platform. This could involve changes to how the company develops or partners on its battery-related technologies. [Pittsburgh Business Times]

• Tech leaders from Duolingo, Google and other local companies gathered at a private workforce roundtable hosted by Women in Tech PGH (WITPGH) to discuss workforce efficiency, specifically strategic hiring models. WITPGH will publish a report of its insights from the discussion in the near future. [WITPGH]

Party with 4,000 robotics fans

Pittsburgh Robotics Discovery Day is back. The free event takes over the Convention Center on Wednesday, Nov. 20, with experts giving demonstrations and community members sharing knowledge on how to get involved.

Whether you’re a business leader looking to innovate, a tech enthusiast exploring the latest trends, a job seeker searching for emerging career opportunities or just curious about how robotics and AI are reshaping our world — this event has something for everyone. Be part of the action, engage with industry influencers, and witness firsthand the power of robotics and advanced technology in the heart of western PA.

➡️ Register now to save your spot

This sponsored blurb supports our journalism. Want to see your message here? Get details and book online.

On the Calendar

• Enjoy the Pittsburgh premiere of “The Thinking Game,” a documentary about the development of artificial general intelligence over the last five years, at the University of Pittsburgh’s David Lawrence Hall on Nov. 8. [Reserve a spot]

• Attend the Global Day of CodeRetreat on Nov. 9 at Code & Supply for an intensive, hands-on event focused on improving software development skills through collaborative problem-solving. [Register]

• Join the region’s top robotics, cybersecurity and tech companies at the 28th annual Tech 50 Awards on Nov. 14. Hosted by the Pittsburgh Technology Council, the event will feature dinner, awards and networking. [Get tickets]

• Partner event: Thinking of starting your own business? Attend What’s Your Business Idea? on Nov. 14 at Avenu: Meyran to get feedback on the endeavor and make connections with other entrepreneurs before making the leap. [Reserve a spot]

• Looking for a crash course on GitHub? Attend this beginner-friendly workshop on Nov. 14, available via Zoom or in-person at Code & Supply, to learn the essentials of GitHub and how to use it effectively. [Details here]