Pittsburgh’s next generation of robotics startups are revving up on Robotics Row 

Wearable devices that help blind people navigate and a recycling station that reclaims plastics are some of the projects Pittsburgh can look forward to thanks to the newest cohort of the Robotics Factory’s Accelerate program.

After the completion of its first run, the Robotics Factory recently announced its second cohort for the program. Five companies — ForSight Assistive Devices, HeadStraitLabs, Humotech, Journey Robotics, and Reclamation Factory — will get up to $100,000 in investment, six months of structured programming and content, personalized one-on-one time with industry experts and network-building opportunities. 

Additionally, they will have access to 12 months of office space at Robotics Factory’s Lawrenceville facility. Beyond the tech, the support encompasses areas like finance, intellectual property, and sales and marketing are critical areas for fledgling companies, Kevin Dowling, managing director of Robotics Factory, told Technical.ly.

“When entrepreneurs fall in love with their technology, it is often not a good sign because the technology is more attractive than the problem, but the problem is more important than the technology,” Dowling said.

This philosophy underpins the work at the accelerator program designed to support robotics startups. It offers capital, mentorship, and resources for entrepreneurs, funded by a $63 million Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

A broad definition of robotics applies to many fields

The Robotics Factory program begins with a rigorous selection process. 

It focuses on companies rooted in Southwestern Pennsylvania with a viable product concept, a detailed plan for a product that addresses a market need, or minimum viable product, the most basic version of a product that can still be released to customers.

 “We look for companies with a local base and a basic understanding of their market,” Dowling said.

Of course, given the title of the program, the company also has to be connected to robotics. That could mean a lot of different things though.

“We have a broad definition of robotics,” Dowling said. “A robotic system is a cycle of sensing, planning, and action. This cycle can relate directly to everything from walking robots to manipulators, or even systems with no moving parts,”

The Robotics Factory has three essential pillars: Create, accelerate, and scale. The “create” pillar focuses on ideation and early-stage development, “Accelerate” emphasizes growth, and “scale” is about expansion.

“These pillars guide our approach from incubation to market impact,” Dowling emphasizes. 

The current cohort is driving innovation across diverse fields: 

• ForSight Assistive Devices is creating wearables to guide visually impaired users safely. 
• HeadStrait Labs focuses on patient care tech with advanced medical devices for emergencies. 
• Humotech is enhancing prosthetics and mobility aids through their wearable tech. 
• Journey Robotics is streamlining aviation operations with automation solutions inspired by the Aviation and Robotics Summit. 
• Reclamation Factory is advancing recycling with modular machines that transform waste plastics into high-quality materials.

Beyond financial support, the accelerator offers a place to build

Once accepted, companies begin a process of growth and learning. 

“Our workshops cover everything from customer discovery to advanced manufacturing techniques,” Dowling said.

Dowling highlighted the program’s financial support for startups, which includes a $100,000 funding split tied to milestone achievements, crucial for accelerating product development. 

Milestones include product development stages, securing initial customers or partnerships, demonstrating market traction, and preparing for investor pitches. Startups receive $50,000 upon entry, with the remaining $50,000 contingent upon achieving predefined milestones. Some examples of milestones include product development, market traction, and investor readiness.

“These milestones are challenging yet achievable, tailored to each company’s growth trajectory,” Dowling said.

Graduating companies can continue using Robotics Factory facilities for six months, including office space and advanced prototyping equipment. 

Startups like Voaigie, CellX and Aquatonomy graduated from the program

Overall, the program aims to create a supportive environment conducive to long-term success in the robotics industry. 

Members of the inaugural cohort have already reported positive growth since the accelerator. 

Voaige raised $2 million in pre-seed funding, led by Draper Associates and Boost VC. CellX Technologies secured over $6 million in Seed Stage funding. Aquatonomy clinched first place and $20,000 at the Duquesne New Venture Challenge. 

“Our goal at the Robotics Factory is not just to fund startups,” Dowling said, “but to provide them with a robust ecosystem of support.”