U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick wants to create a national commission on robotics

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., joined with fellow Republican Sen. Todd Young and Democrats John Hickenlooper and Martin Heinrich to propose the National Commission on Robotics Act. The legislation aims to create an independent commission tasked with evaluating U.S. competitiveness in robotics and recommending policies to maintain leadership in the field. McCormick highlighted Pennsylvania’s robotics hub in Pittsburgh, emphasizing its role in job creation, supply chain resilience, and economic growth. The commission will assess six key areas: U.S. competitiveness in robotics, methods to sustain technological advantages, foreign policies advancing robotics, strategic partnerships, workforce incentives, and supply chain risks. It must submit an interim report to Congress and the President within one year and a final report with recommendations within two years. Supporters, including Carnegie Mellon University and Gecko Robotics, argue that robotics will shape the 21st century, impacting economic growth, national security, and societal well-being. Carnegie Mellon University’s President Farnam Jahanian stressed the need for a coordinated strategy to accelerate innovation and ensure equitable benefits. Gecko Robotics CEO Jake Loosararian warned of accelerating global competition in robotics and AI, urging decisive U.S. action to retain global leadership. Pennsylvania’s robotics ecosystem, including Carnegie Mellon’s newly opened Robotics Innovation Center, underscores the state’s pivotal role. The proposed commission aligns with broader efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing and workforce development in critical technology sectors.