Robotics and Physical AI are rewriting the rules of industry. Meet the leaders behind it.

Chicago is experiencing a new wave of innovation pushed by robotics and physical AI startups that are redefining how work gets done across manufacturing, automation, and maintenance.

Since the 1800s, Chicago has been defined by movement: products moving through warehouses, materials transported by rail, and machinery powering through factory floors. Today, Chicago is experiencing a new wave of innovation pushed by robotics and physical AI startups that are redefining how work gets done across manufacturing, automation, and maintenance. The distance between “bold ideas” and implementation in complex industrial systems is shrinking at a pace faster than ever. On Tuesday June 2nd, TechNexus Venture Collaborative is partnering with Wells Fargo to host Chicago at Work: Robotics & Physical AI in Industry , bringing together eight leaders across research, corporate innovation, venture capital, and industrial operations for two focused panel conversations on how robotics and Physical AI are moving from emerging technology to real-world deployment. This event will give you a front-row view of the reality of robotics and physical AI today, how they went from lab to deployment, and where they are headed next. Seats are running quickly. RSVP here today to save a spot. We look forward to seeing you at TeamWorking by TechNexus on June 2nd. Now, let’s meet our panelists. Panel 1: The Catalysts – From Lab to Capital Market Pete Wilkins, HPA Pete Wilkins is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and AI innovator. He serves as Managing Partner of Hyde Park Angels (HPA) and founder of Omaxn, the premier Midwest AI forum. As HPA’s leader, Wilkins spearheaded its evolution from a traditional angel network into an institutional-grade venture investor, cultivating HPA into one of the top early-stage venture groups in the country. Under Wilkins’ leadership, HPA has delivered standout returns that outpace venture industry benchmarks and has fostered an environment that has enabled HPA-backed startups to grow into industry leaders, including many that have reached “unicorn” status and achieved impressive successful exits. In 2023, Wilkins founded Omaxn, which has qu

By Alex Chen at TechNexus Venture Collaborative