A3 Urges Congressional Action to Advance a Unified National Robotics Initiative

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has rolled out an ambitious plan to establish a National Robotics Strategy, aiming to keep the U.S.at the forefront of global robotics innovation. This strategy, presented to Congress today, outlines six pivotal policy recommendations that range from setting up a federal Robotics Office to enhancing workforce training initiatives.

Jeff Burnstein, A3’s President, emphasized the urgency of this initiative: “We’re at a crucial juncture in defining automation’s future.While AI grabs headlines, we must not overlook robotics. Our proposed national strategy is designed to bolster U.S. competitiveness and prepare our workforce for tomorrow.”

Here are the six main proposals A3 is advocating for:

1. Create a Central Robotics Office and Commission – This new federal office would oversee robotics policies while an advisory commission made up of industry experts would help shape long-term strategies.

1. Introduce Tax Incentives – to stimulate investment in robotics, new tax credits and incentives would be introduced.

1. Lead by Example – Federal agencies should adopt robotic technologies within their operations as a model for other sectors.

1. Enhance Workforce Training – The strategy calls for increased funding in STEM education and reskilling programs tailored for careers influenced by automation.

1. Support Research and Innovation – Strengthening collaborations between public entities and private companies will drive forward-thinking innovations in robotics.

1. Revise Industry Standards – Updating safety regulations and performance benchmarks for AI-integrated robots is essential as technology evolves.

Brendan Schulman, Chair of A3’s Advocacy Committee and VP at Boston Dynamics, noted the pressing need for this initiative: “With advancements like AI integration making robots more capable than ever—especially as industries face labor shortages due to demographic shifts—it’s critical that government leaders act swiftly on this national strategy.”

A3’s vision isn’t just about keeping pace with technological advancements; it’s about ensuring that America remains competitive on the world stage while preparing its workforce for an automated future filled with opportunities across various sectors—from manufacturing to healthcare innovations inspired by cultural shifts around automation globally.