WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Sen. Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania has introduced legislation to create a national robotics commission, a move aimed at assessing U.S. competitiveness in a sector increasingly viewed as critical to manufacturing, supply chains, national security and economic growth.
The National Commission on Robotics Act, introduced this week by McCormick, Sen. John Hickenlooper of Colorado, Sen. Todd Young of Indiana and Sen. Martin Heinrich of New Mexico, would establish an independent commission to evaluate the United States’ position in robotics and recommend policies to strengthen domestic capabilities.
The proposal comes as policymakers and industry leaders raise concerns about reliance on foreign-manufactured robotics technology and intensifying global competition, particularly from China.
Under the legislation, the commission would examine the strength of the U.S. robotics marketplace, assess whether the country has the tools needed to maintain a technological advantage, evaluate foreign government efforts to advance robotics industries, identify opportunities for public-private partnerships, and recommend workforce and manufacturing policies.
The commission would be required to submit an interim report to Congress and the president within one year of its creation and deliver a final report with policy recommendations within two years.
“Pennsylvania, and Pittsburgh especially, is an incredible hub of robotics talent,” McCormick said, adding that robotics leadership can create jobs, strengthen supply chains and support long-term economic growth.
Hickenlooper said the technology’s expanding role across industries warrants a broader review of its economic and workforce implications.
“If America is going to lead the future, we need a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges ahead—from supply chains and national security to workforce development,” he said.
The legislation highlights Pittsburgh’s longstanding role in robotics research and commercialization. Several Pennsylvania-based organizations, including Carnegie Mellon University, the Pittsburgh Technology Council, Gecko Robotics, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute, Carnegie Robotics, Near Earth Autonomy and HEBI Robotics, endorsed the measure.
Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Jahanian said robotics is becoming one of the defining technologies of the century and argued that a national strategy is needed to maintain U.S. leadership amid growing international competition.
Industry groups supporting the bill include the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, the Association for Advancing Automation, FANUC America, Technology Councils of North America, Agility Robotics, Robots for America and the New American Industrial Alliance.
Supporters contend that stronger federal coordination could accelerate robotics adoption in manufacturing and other industries while addressing workforce needs and supply-chain vulnerabilities.
The measure also has bipartisan support in the House of Representatives, where companion legislation has been introduced by Reps. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., and Jennifer McClellan, D-Va.
The legislation does not establish new robotics programs or funding. Instead, the commission would be tasked with producing recommendations that lawmakers could use to shape future federal policy on robotics, automation and related technologies.
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