​Robotics at the Service of Safety, Productivity & Quality

​Event Details:

​Opening Reception: Tuesday, December 2 from 4 PM - 8 PM (Use the registration button.)

​Invite-only Workshop: Wednesday, December 3 from 8 AM - 6 PM (Access Code required. Register using the link below the registration button. This registers you fro both the reception and workshop.)

​This event kicks off with a public reception on Tuesday, December 2 followed by an invite-only hands on facilitated workshop that brings together leaders in vertical and heavy civil/infrastructure construction with top robotics innovators to tackle the industry’s biggest challenges.

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​Speakers

​Dr. Viktor Orekhov

​Robotics Lead, HITT Contracting
Dr. Viktor Orekhov leads robotics initiatives at HITT Contracting, developing and deploying advanced robotic solutions across jobsites. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee Tech. Before joining HITT, he served as a Technical Lead for multiple DARPA robotics programs, including the Service Academy Swarm Challenge and the Subterranean (SubT) Challenge.

​Val Tzvetkov

​Chair, Contech Alliance Board of Directors
Director of VDC & Emerging Technology, Skanska
Val Tzvetkov chairs the Contech Alliance Board of Directors, a nonprofit advancing construction through education, collaboration, and innovation. At Skanska, Val leads VDC and emerging technology initiatives focused on driving practical tech adoption and measurable project impact. He is deeply active at the intersection of construction and robotics, curating programs, exhibits, and conversations that showcase applied automation, AI, and safety innovations across the industry.

​Dr. Henning Roedel

​Founder, Hardhat Robotics
Dr. Henning Roedel is a leader in construction technology, known for pioneering robotics initiatives and exploring extraterrestrial construction methods. As founder of Hardhat Robotics, he is developing a physical AI platform that addresses skilled labor shortages, productivity gaps, and safety risks across the industry. His career has included roles advancing VDC practices internationally, contributing to ALICE Technologies, and serving as Robotics Lead at DPR Construction.

​He holds a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Stanford University, where his research—conducted in partnership with NASA Ames—explored protein-bound concretes for terrestrial and extraterrestrial use. Henning also holds an MS in Construction Management (VDC focus) from Stanford and a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from UCLA. Outside of work, he remains active in lunar development groups and enjoys brewing, cooking, hiking, and time with family.

​Chad Clark

​Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) Manager, Turner Construction – Pittsburgh
Chad Clark is the VDC Manager for Turner Construction’s Pittsburgh office, supporting regional project teams with advanced modeling, clash detection, and digital coordination workflows. With more than 25 years in the construction industry, he is highly skilled in Autodesk, Revit, Twinmotion, and other visualization tools that enhance efficiency from preconstruction through turnover.

​Before Turner, Chad spent most of his career at Miller Electric Construction, Inc., serving in roles including Lead 3D Designer, MEP Coordinator, and Senior VDC/BIM Engineer. Outside of work, he enjoys cheering on Penn State and spending time with his wife, children, and grandson.

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​Why Attend?

​Construction leaders: Help shape the next wave of automation for construction planning, execution, and post-construction support.

​Robotics innovators: Validate product-market fit directly with end users.

​All participants — Gain early access to cutting-edge solutions before they hit the market. Hosted by Innovation Works’ Robotics Factory, in partnership with ConTech Alliance and Pittsburgh Robotics Network, this is your chance to: Influence new technology, co-create real-world solutions, and launch what’s next.

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​Limited availability. Invite-only.
Interested in the workshop? Complete the Interest Form: https://lnkd.in/e8DhwZyq

​Questions? Contact Beth Ezar, Create Program Manager at [email protected]