The AI & Robotics Venture Fair welcomed 40 investors exploring opportunities in 18 companies at Carnegie Mellon University, showcasing advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics. Featured companies included Velo.AI, Fluid Reality, and X-Hab3D, each making strides in their respective fields, highlighting the region’s innovative spirit and potential.
On September 26th, forty investors gathered in Pittsburgh to explore investment opportunities at the AI & Robotics Venture Fair, showcasing 18 innovative companies making significant advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics. This event, jointly organized by Carnegie Mellon University and Innovation Works, marked its successful return after a period of virtual hosting due to the pandemic. Notably, this year’s fair featured a record number of early-stage companies, highlighting the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem within the region. Among the notable exhibitors was Velo.AI, led by Clark Haynes, a former team leader at Uber and Aurora. Velo.AI has developed “Copilot,” a hardware-software product designed to enhance bicycle safety by providing cyclists with visual and audible alerts during rides. Significantly, the product also gathers data on cycling routes, aiding urban planners in their decision-making processes. Since its debut presentation last year, Velo.AI has successfully sold its initial production run of 100 units and secured partnerships, including a federal grant for a study in collaboration with Pittsburgh’s bike-share operator, POGOH. Another standout was Fluid Reality, founded by Joe Mullenbach, which introduced an innovative glove equipped with haptic feedback technology. This product is designed to enhance virtual simulations by allowing users to experience tactile sensations while interacting with virtual objects. Mullenbach is currently seeking funding to further develop this promising technology. Moreover, Bruce Kraselsky presented X-Hab3D, a company dedicated to constructing buildings using mobile 3D printing technology. Kraselsky’s initiative arose from a need to address the high construction costs and skilled labor shortages in Alaska. His collaboration with Penn State University is pioneering new methods of habitat creation that can withstand tough environmental conditions. As these companies leverage technology to improve urban planning, enhance user experience in virtual environments, and offer innovative construction solutions, the AI & Robotics Venture Fair remains a critical platform for fostering entrepreneurship and investment in Pittsburgh’s technological future.
The AI & Robotics Venture Fair serves as a vital venue for showcasing cutting-edge technological developments in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics. This annual event not only highlights the ingenuity of local startups but also attracts investment from across the nation, reinforcing Pittsburgh’s reputation as a hub for technological innovation. The participants typically range from seed-stage enterprises to more established companies, providing investors with insights into emerging trends and investment opportunities. The resurgence of the event post-COVID underscores the resilience and evolving landscape of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Pittsburgh, particularly in the realms of AI and robotics.
The AI & Robotics Venture Fair successfully spotlighted innovative companies like Velo.AI, Fluid Reality, and X-Hab3D, emphasizing their potential to reshape urban logistics, enhance interactive experiences, and provide solutions for construction challenges in harsh environments. As Pittsburgh continues to cultivate a robust tech ecosystem, such platforms will be essential in bridging the gap between emerging solutions and investment opportunities, ensuring continued growth in these groundbreaking technologies.
Original Source: nextpittsburgh.com
Leave a Reply