Chicago at Work: Robotics & Physical AI in Industry
Please join TechNexus Venture Collaborative and Wells Fargo for a panel reception focused on the real-world deployment of robotics and Physical AI across Chicago’s heavy industries.
These conversations bring together investors, corporate leaders, and innovators to explore what it takes to move from research and prototype to enterprise-scale adoption. We’ll focus on how robotics and industrial autonomous systems are being applied in labor-intensive sectors such as construction, warehouse operations, logistics — and what's required to translate deep tech innovation into high-impact, commercial outcomes.
Positioned at the intersection of university research, capital markets, and enterprise demand, this event reflects a growing effort to build a more connected and deployable Physical AI/Robotics ecosystem in the Midwest.
Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 pm
Location: TechNexus, Downtown Chicago
RSVP: Kindly RSVP your attendance by Thursday, May, 28, 2026
Speakers & Panelists (confirmed to date):
Ed Briganti, Managing Director, Industrials, Wells Fargo Corporate and Investment Bank
John Ramirez, Founding Partner, ForgeX (TechNexus)
Panel #1: The Catalysts: From Lab to Capital Markets
Pete Wilkins, Managing Partner, HPA; Founder, Omaxn
Kurt Ramirez, General Partner, Nine Four Ventures
Jason Felger, Partner, Jump Capital
Ryan L. Truby, Ph.D., The Robotic Matter Lab at Northwestern University
Moderated by: John Huber, Venture Coverage, Wells Fargo Technology Banking
Panel #2: The Buyers: Operating the Future
Charlie Wood, Ph.D., Director of AI Digital Product Management, Caterpillar Inc.
Gina Chung, Chief Strategy Officer, Locus Robotics
Vince Zuppa, Vice President, Property Management – Chicago; Director, Change Through Innovation Council (CTIC), Prologis
Aaron Toppston, Managing Partner, GS Futures
Moderated by: Fred Hoch, General Partner, TechNexus