A3’s Insights from the Congressional Robotics Caucus

On December 10, 2025, the Congressional Robotics Caucus was relaunched in Washington, D.C. Machine Design spoke with Jeff Burnstein, president of A3, to gain insights into this gathering and the bipartisan effort to strengthen U.S. manufacturing through robotics and automation.

A Renewed Robotics Commitment

The caucus returned after a hiatus and is now led by four co-chairs: Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH), Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA), and Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI).

The renewed caucus is focused on reshoring U.S. manufacturing by leveraging advanced technology, building a skilled workforce and advocating for a cohesive national robotics strategy, according to Burnstein. Leaders from A3, Boston Dynamics, Intrinsic, Path Robotics, Teradyne Robotics, Mahoning County Career and Technical Center, and Lorain County Community College discussed the role of robotics, AI and workforce development in strengthening U.S. manufacturing during the caucus.

Workforce Development for U.S. Reshoring

Burnstein noted that speakers underscored the urgency of developing a strategic approach to robotics. Brendan Schulman, vice president of policy and government relations at Boston Dynamics, highlighted the competitive threat from China, which is leading in humanoid robotics.

At the same time, Heather Carroll, chief revenue officer from Path Robotics, spoke of the potential of AI-enabled robots to perform labor-intensive tasks like welding—a key bottleneck in shipbuilding that constrains U.S. capabilities. Intrinsic’s chief science officer, Torsten Kroger, spoke on the importance of making robotic technologies accessible and user-friendly, especially for small- and medium-sized business, the backbone of American manufacturing.

On the workforce development front, Burnstein said that representatives from Lorain Country Community College and Mahoning County Career and Technical Center showcased effective training programs aimed at equipping workers with essential skills to meet manufacturing demands.

Collaboration Between Innovation and Policy, Advocacy

The caucus looked at the necessary partnerships between robotics designers, policymakers and educators. Burnstein discussed the need for increased funding for educational and commercial research and stressed that expanding training programs is essential to fill the widening workforce gap.

“People who are working in the industry now could be upskilled to take on the new jobs that are being created as a result of robotics and AI,” he offered as an example, adding, “We talked about people who aren’t yet in the workforce and the skills they might need, and [about] the policy that the government should adopt to help make this (training) happen.”

He encouraged industry stakeholders to engage with their congressional representatives and support advocacy efforts through channels such as automate.org where A3's policy recommendations and national strategy details are accessible.

“Robotic systems is what we’re advocating for, but any type of solution to a customer problem, we need more of those, especially if, indeed, we bring back a lot of manufacturing,” Burnstein said. “So, we want to make these solutions simple, affordable and easy to implement.”

Looking Ahead: U.S. Robotics

Robotics engineers are challenged to innovate, especially in areas like dexterity where robotic hands still lag behind human capabilities. The consortium is advocating for the rapid establishment of industry standards, particularly for humanoid robots, Burnstein noted, to ensure safe and effective integration. While progress requires bipartisan support and coordination with the administration, the momentum is palpable.

Supporting innovation, workforce development and policy alignment could position the U.S. as a global leader in robotics, revitalizing American manufacturing with the power of advanced automation.

Burnstein reflected on his four decades in the industry, noting unprecedented government interest in robotics and AI reinforced by recent executive orders. Draft bills outlining the framework for our national robotics strategy are already in motion. “I've never seen this much government interest in robotics,” he said. “This is a great thing, and if they follow our recommendations or others, we could be in a really strong spot in terms of American leadership in robotics.”