Pittsburgh Power Moves: This Pitt researcher is a National Medal of Technology and Innovation recipient

Rory Cooper receives the National Medal of Technology and Innovation from Biden

Since 1985, the White House has awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation to technologists who have made substantial contributions in the technology field and to “America’s economic, environmental and social well-being.” This year, one of awardee hails from the University of Pittsburgh.

Assistant Vice Chancellor of Research Rory Cooper was selected for his advocacy for assistive technology access. In addition to his vice chancellor position, Cooper is a professor in the university’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and the founding director and VA senior research career scientist of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories.

With the award, he’ll join the ranks of Apple’s Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak and other tech luminaries. According to the University of Pittsburgh Senior Vice Chancellor for Research Rob Rutenbar, who recommended Cooper for the award, Cooper has dedicated his career to using technology to make life better for those around him.

“I have had the privilege of working with many remarkable scientists and scholars in my 40 years in academia and the technology world,” Rutenbar wrote in his nomination letter, according to PittWire. “Few manifest with impacts across as many areas of vital national interest as Rory — with contributions ranging from fundamental science to unique, commercialized assistive technologies.”

Pittsburgh Robotics Network has a new (permanent) ED

Jennifer Apicella. (Courtesy Jennifer Apicella)

Pittsburgh Robotics Network has found its new leader in Jennifer Apicella, who is trading in her interim executive director title to become the permanent executive director, effective immediately. Apicella had been at the helm of the PRN since May 2023, following the departure of former ED Joel Reed. However, prior to that, she served as the org’s VP and as its director of partnerships for two years.

Beyond the PRN, Apicella’s name isn’t an unfamiliar one in the Steel City’s tech industry. Over the years she’s made numerous connections through her leadership at organizations such as Build412 Tech and PGH.AI. What made Apicella the right person to officially head PRN, the announcement said, is that she understands navigating the business world as well as the importance of maintaining connections.

On Apicella’s part, she’s looking forward to doing her part to help the city’s tech industry grow.

“Our region’s robotics cluster is one of the most advanced and innovative in the world, and I am delighted to be able to expand this work, fostering a community that facilitates new opportunities for commercial growth and industry partnerships to accelerate the adoption of robotic solutions across the globe,” Apicella said in the announcement.

Gecko Robotics launched its Cantilever product

Gecko Robotics’ Cantilever software. (Courtesy Gecko Robotics)

Gecko Robotics has become well-known for its wall-climbing robotics that protect past and the company’s mission to present infrastructure through its asset management software. Now, the North Side-based company is unveiling the Cantilever, a “first-of-its-kind” product that places data  robotic, fixed-sensor and partner systems into an AI-driven platform so users can decrease costs and safety issues. Those most likely to use this product are customers working in the defense, manufacturing and energy sectors.

Already, a company announcement said, the US Navy has benefited from using Cantilever to address the largest issues impacting Navy ships, such as determining when to enact repairs and ship availability.

“Every day, at hundreds of customer sites around the world, our robots are keeping power plants online, military assets ready, and factory doors open,” Gecko Robotics CEO and cofounder Jake Loosararian said. “That’s only possible because our robots and fixed sensor networks are collecting data at a quantity and quality that’s never been seen before. Cantilever begins with that unique data and combines it with the customer’s own data to create the first end-to-end solution, transforming decision making in the built world.”

More Power Moves:

• Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn and Pitt’s Rory Cooper were inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame which honors creators, innovators and entrepreneurs whose work has made a meaningful difference.
• Duolingo, maker of a free language education platform, is partnering with Chess.com to introduce multilingual bots so players can interact with each other in a host of different languages.
• Aurora, an autonomous vehicle company, is opening a commercial-ready route for driverless trucks that spans from Dallas to Houston.