MassRobotics to Host Sixth Annual RoboBoston and Robot Block Party

While there are plenty of robotics conferences and trade shows, there are relatively few that involve both commercial technologies and the general public. MassRobotics yesterday announced that it will host RoboBoston in the Boston Seaport neighborhood on Friday, Sept. 29, and Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023.

The organization claimed that it is "one of the world's largest celebrations of robots and robotics," with more than 50 companies, several universities, and student robotics teams. They will showcase cutting-edge robotics and technology in a series of professional and family-oriented STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) events.

“Massachusetts has long been a leading area for robotics companies to establish themselves, innovate and grow,” stated Colin Angle, CEO of iRobot and a board member of MassRobotics.

“A decade ago, there were only a handful of robotics companies in Massachusetts. Today, we are 400+ strong and a significant part of the technology economy," he said. "I am delighted that MassRobotics is again bringing RoboBoston to life and sharing the excitement of robotics with the technology community, students and future roboticists.”

RoboBoston events

RoboBoston will take place at 88 Seaport Blvd. in Boston, and it is free and open to the public. It will include the following events:

STEM Field Trip Day

On Sept. 29, students from Grades 7 through 12 from several Boston public schools will participate in two hours of interactive STEM activities. They will also see demonstrations of autonomous mini-vehicles and robotic arms and hands, as well as robotic dogs, birds, and butterflies. (Reservations to participate are currently full.)

RoboBoston includes hands-on STEM opportunities. Source: MassRobotics

Robotics and AI Technical Career Fair

From 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. ET on Sept. 29, companies at the Robotics and AI Technical Career Fair will host information sessions where candidates can learn more about each organization, discover open positions, understand what career tracks look like and schedule interviews.

A list of participating companies is on the RoboBoston webpage. Job seekers must register on Eventbrite for the event in advance. Robotics and AI companies interested in participating in the career fair should contact MassRobotics at [email protected].

Robot Sidewalk Parade

The first-ever Robot Sidewalk Parade will feature rolling, crawling, and walking robots making their way from 1 Seaport Courtyard to 88 Seaport Blvd. for a ceremonial ribbon cutting to launch this year’s Robot Block Party. The parade will begin at 10:45 a.m. on Sept. 30.

Mobile robots at RoboBoston will include legged models. Source: MassRobotics

Robot Block Party

The 6^th Annual Robot Block Party will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sept. 30. At the free event, the public can see and interact with exciting technology, including drones, autonomous vehicles, collaborative robots, humanoids, robot dogs and flying bionic birds. There will be opportunities to fly through a drone obstacle course, sit in an unmanned vehicle, and drive a legged robot.

"The world looks to our cluster for innovations and advances in robotics," said Tom Ryden, executive director of MassRobotics. "RoboBoston is a chance to celebrate, recognize and share our robust community."

"We are thrilled to grow our Robot Block Party of years past into a robotics celebration that is larger than ever and engage the community in this showcase of cutting-edge technology," he added. "The excitement from students and families continues to grow. We host many STEM events and student visits at MassRobotics throughout the year. RoboBoston gives students and families a unique, hands-on opportunity to learn about developments in the field and see how robots will impact their lives."

The event is made possible with sponsorship from EF Explore America, The MITRE Corp., and Walmart, with the support of Boston Seaport by WS Development. SVB is also sponsoring an invite-only networking reception for senior robotics leaders.

“We look forward to showcasing the incredible advancements in robotics technology amidst the bustling innovation ecosystem of Seaport,” said Yanni Tsipis, senior vice president of Seaport by WS Development. "Now in its sixth year, RoboBoston is an annual highlight in the neighborhood and a celebratory moment for the entire Massachusetts robotics and technology sectors."

"This event is a unique platform for tech visionaries and entrepreneurs to share their creations, and for enthusiasts and young minds to immerse themselves in this fascinating industry," he said. "WS Development is proud to once again partner with MassRobotics for this event."

Excited Robot Block Party attendees at the Harmonic Drive booth. Source: MassRobotics

About the hosts

MassRobotics is the result of collaboration among engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs to create a vibrant robotics ecosystem.

The Boston-based organization said its mission is "to help create and scale the next generation of successful robotics technology and connected devices companies by providing innovative entrepreneurs and startups with the workspace and resources they need to develop, prototype, test, and commercialize their products and solutions."

Boston's Seaport district is currently the city's single largest development project. WS Development said it is transforming 33 acres of waterfront land with a mix of residential, hotel, office, retail, entertainment, civic and cultural uses, and public open space across the district.

Established in 1990, WS said it is one of few vertically integrated real estate companies that conceptualizes, owns, operates, and leases more than 100 properties ranging from cutting-edge urban spaces to lifestyle and community centers. With over 22 million sq. ft. of existing space and an additional 9 million sq. ft. under development, WS claimed that it is one of the largest privately-owned development firms in the country.