Physical AI: Accelerating Concept to Commercialization

Autonomous robotics is at a turning point. We’ve seen the prototypes. Now comes the hard part: bringing them to the real world, at scale, in the wild, where things get messy.

This intimate panel discussion pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to make Physical AI work across industries, platforms, and environments. Why do so many efforts stall out before the finish line? What actually works on the ground? We’ll trade war stories, highlight local breakthroughs, and unpack the new realities reshaping how systems are designed and delivered.

No fluff. Just real talk from the people doing the work.

📆 Thursday, June 26th, 5:00PM EST

📍Roost, 250 Forbes Ave. Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

• 5:00PM-5:30PM- Arrivals and Registration
• 5:30PM-6:30PM Panel Discussion
• 6:30PM-8:00PM Networking Reception

• Why some autonomy projects make it to market, and why so many don’t
• What separates flashy demos from scalable, trusted systems
• How new learning models and data strategies are reshaping Physical AI
• The real-world challenges of verification, safety, and public trust
• The playbooks (and pitfalls) of turning Physical AI into real business
• Bold visions of what Physical AI could look like five years from now

Presented and Moderated By

(DDD) is a pioneering global data solutions provider, delivering cutting-edge services across Autonomy, Defense, Generative AI, and Enterprise sectors. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in New York, DDD seamlessly integrates advanced technologies with Human-in-the-Loop (HiTL) workflows to tackle next-generation challenges. Beyond innovation, DDD operates on a transformative social impact model, empowering over 11,000 young men and women in Kenya, Cambodia, and Laos with valuable skills and work opportunities—breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering a future driven by opportunity and growth.

Meet Our Panelists

CEO of Main Street Autonomy

Jake Panikulam is the CEO of Main Street Autonomy, a software company which solves hard robotics problems like calibration and localization so that robotics leaders can focus on their core business. Jake got his start on autonomous submarines, then, self driving cars, and is now working to make robot calibration easy. In his spare time he can be found injuring himself skiing.

Director of Robotics

Al Biglan is the Head of Robotics at Gecko Robotics, where he leads a cross-functional R&D team in developing and deploying advanced robotic systems. With over 20 years of experience in corporate and technical leadership, Al has successfully scaled teams and products from startup to enterprise. His expertise spans autonomy, embedded systems, and cloud platforms, with a strong focus on innovation and operational efficiency. Al has played pivotal roles in launching flagship platforms and expanding market reach through new technologies. He is passionate about transforming AI concepts into scalable, trusted systems and is eager to share his insights on the commercialization of Physical AI.

Co-founder, CTO @ Mapless AI

Dr. Jeff Johnson received a PhD in Computer Science from Indiana University Bloomington. He is a specialist in planning and control for multi-agent robotic systems with extensive experience developing automated vehicle systems. In 2020 he co-founded Mapless AI, which is developing a unique hardware/software solution that enables fleet and passenger vehicles to be remotely driven by a human operator while meeting all regulatory, safety, and insurance requirements.

Director of Marketing

Barry Rabkin, MBA, is an award-winning AI and robotics marketing leader. Selected by Pittsburgh Magazine as a "40 under 40", he has over 20 years of success, ranging from venture-backed tech startups to Fortune 500 companies. Barry has founded and grown multiple companies to acquisition. He leads marketing for Near Earth Autonomy, whose autonomous aerial logistics systems are trusted by the world's largest aircraft manufacturers and all branches of the US military.

Barry has helped raise 10s of millions of dollars in funding and led the go-to-market launch for over 100 innovative products, with over a billion dollars in total revenue. He loves using technology to identify, communicate, and serve humanity's greatest needs and is passionate about helping people and companies grow. Barry serves as a growth strategy advisor and guest lecturer at Carnegie Mellon, Duquesne, and the University of Pittsburgh. He is on a mission to transform Pittsburgh from the "City of Steel" to the "City of Startups." Learn more @ BarryRabkin.com.

Parking

On-site paid parking is available at the Market Square Garage. Take elevator to Hilton Garden Inn, enter through lobby, then take Hilton Garden Inn elevator to second floor.

Onsite Arrival

Roost is attached to the Hilton Garden Inn, nestled on the second floor above Revel.

Dress Code

While there is no dress code for this event, you will see most attendees in business casual attire.

Refreshments

Complimentary food and beverages will be provided from Roost

Photo & Video Disclaimer

Video footage and/or photos will be taken during this event, which may or may not include your recognizable image. Please be advised, by registering for this event, you permit the Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN) to use the images in print, digital or web-based formats in publications or other media material produced, used or contracted by the PRN for promotional and/or archival purposes.

Contact Information

For questions about this event, please contact: ZXZlbnRzIHwgcm9ib3BnaCAhIG9yZw==

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