The independent Commission on American Leadership in Robotics would be created under bipartisan legislation introduced on June 4 by U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN).
“This independent commission will help ensure the United States stays ahead of China and remains the world’s leader in robotics technology,” said Sen. Young, who introduced the National Commission on Robotics Act, S. 4686, alongside bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) and fellow cosponsor U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO).
If enacted, S. 4686 would establish the commission to evaluate America’s competitiveness in robotics and to recommend policies to ramp up U.S. leadership in robotics, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Young’s staff.
“Robotics is transforming industries across our economy and will play a critical role in determining which nations lead in innovation and advanced manufacturing,” Sen. Young said. “To maintain America’s competitive edge, we must better understand the opportunities and challenges ahead and develop a strategy to strengthen our workforce, secure our supply chains, and accelerate domestic innovation.”
The commission would examine and make recommendations on U.S. competitiveness in robotics and the strength of the domestic marketplace, and whether the U.S. has the means and methods to assert and maintain a technological advantage across industrial, retail, and commercial sectors.
Likewise, the commission would look at foreign actions and policies to advance robotics; workforce incentives and programs to attract and recruit talent in robotics and associated STEM fields; and supply chain risks and policies to increase domestic manufacturing of robotics.
Additionally, the commission would evaluate and recommend how the U.S. could foster greater collaboration and strategic partnerships in robotics with industry, the public, and academic institutions to enhance economic competitiveness and manufacturing, the summary says.
Under S. 4686, the commission would deliver an interim report to Congress and the president within one year of its establishment, and a final report with recommendations within two years of its establishment.
The measure has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.