WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) today introduced the Robotics Supply Chain Improvement Act, legislation aimed at boosting American manufacturing of robotics systems. This legislation, which directs the Department of Commerce to collect more data and develop standards for new robotics, would help keep America ahead of China in the robotics industry and keep American manufacturing competitive globally.

"It's important that the United States continues to stay ahead of China when it comes to development and manufacturing of new technologies," said Rounds. "The Robotics Supply Chain Improvement Act would improve data collection and coordination of the use of robotics in the United States."

"The robotics revolution is here. To compete with China and keep workers from being left behind, we need better data and coordination to set smart standards," said Hickenlooper. "This bill positions Colorado's growing robotics industry and workforce to lead in this new economy."

Specifically, the Robotics Supply Chain Improvement Act would:

• Directs the Department of Commerce to support American industry by improving data sharing to support the development of the models that power advanced robotics.
• Directs the Office of Advanced Manufacturing, a NIST department which works with Manufacturing USA institutes across the country, to promote the use of robotics.
• Directs the Department of Commerce to coordinate with the robotics industry for the development of voluntary standards for new and emerging robotics use cases and develop training and apprenticeship programs to upskill American workers.
• Directs the Department of Commerce to collaborate with the robotics industry to create solutions in the energy, food and healthcare spaces to drive down costs for American consumers.
• Directs the Department of Commerce to coordinate with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Labor on the development of material to support workforce development and job creation in the robotics industry.
• Requires the Department of Commerce to collect data annually (with a 5 year sunset) on the adoption of robotics systems across industry so that we can accurately benchmark US competitiveness relative to China and other leaders in the adoption of robotics.
• Pushes NASA, which has developed incredible innovations related to robotics (ex. the Mars Rover) to work with industry to commercialize the research and patents developed by the agency, facilitating private sector entrepreneurship and job creation from federal research.

Supporters of the Robotics Supply Chain Improvement Act include:

"Prosperous Robotics strongly supports the Robotics Supply Chain Improvement Act and its vision to strengthen America's leadership in robotics, AI, and advanced manufacturing," said Michael Bankowski, Co-Founder and CEO of Sioux Falls-based Prosperous Robotics. "We are especially encouraged to see home and elder care recognized as a national priority, where robotics can improve independence, dignity, and quality of life for millions of families."

"Boston Dynamics commends Senators Rounds and Hickenlooper on the introduction of the Robotics Supply Chain Improvement Act," said Brendan Schulman, VP of Policy & Government Relations at Boston Dynamics "This legislation would direct NIST to gather key information and metrics on the building blocks of the advanced robotics industry, including workforce training programs, standards for physical AI, emerging use cases, and regular reports on national robot adoption rates. These are important elements for building the national robotics strategy that industry has been calling for."

"From the assembly line to artificial intelligence, American manufacturing has constantly embraced new technologies," said Sam Dorn, VP of Policy and Government Affairs, New American Industrial Alliance. "The Robotics Supply Chain Improvement Act continues that legacy by creating an all-of-government approach to robotics, from setting key standards and implementation benchmarks to pushing cutting-edge government technology to partner with private sector leaders. We thank Senator Rounds for his leadership on this important piece of legislation."

"On behalf of Robots For America, I'm proud to endorse the Robotics Supply Chain Improvement Act, introduced by Senators Rounds and Hickenlooper," said Saman Farid, Founder, Robots For America. "Robots don't replace American workers - they multiply what American workers can do, keeping factories competitive, production onshore, and good jobs in American communities. This bipartisan bill takes practical steps to strengthen our domestic robotics industrial base, from promoting adoption on factory floors to commercializing NASA innovations here at home. We urge Congress to pass it swiftly."

Click HERE for full bill text.

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