Powering the Future of Robotics Across Pennsylvania

Across Pennsylvania, robotics and advanced technologies are transforming how industries operate, from security and infrastructure to water systems and manufacturing. Founders are developing solutions that improve safety, increase efficiency, and solve complex real-world challenges.

With support from Ben Franklin Technology Partners, these companies are advancing new technologies, strengthening their operations, and scaling solutions that are already being deployed in the field.

Reimagining Construction Through Advanced Manufacturing

X-Hab 3D | State College | Central and Northern Pennsylvania
Sector: Advanced Manufacturing, Construction Technology
Founders: Bruce Kraselsky, Founding Member, Chair and CEO; Nate Watson, Founding Member, VP, Engineering and Product; Sven Bilén, Founding Member, Lead, Systems Engineering; José Duarte, Founding Member, Lead, Digital Architecture and BIM; Shadi Nazarian, Founding Member, Lead, Architectural Design and Advanced Materials

X-Hab 3D develops large-scale 3D concrete printing systems that automate construction, enabling faster builds, improved efficiency, and reduced costs.

By automating key parts of the construction process, the company is addressing persistent challenges related to labor shortages, project timelines, and cost efficiency. Their technology enables faster construction with greater precision, opening new possibilities for how structures are designed and delivered.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern Pennsylvania has invested $1 million in X-Hab 3D and worked closely with the company to provide hands-on expertise across operations, manufacturing, and core business functions including sales, finance, human resources, and fundraising. This early-stage support has been critical in helping the company strengthen its foundation and prepare for continued growth.

See the technology in action: https://www.xhab3d.com/projects/nome

Advancing Automation in Industrial Environments

FLX Solutions | Bethlehem | Northeastern Pennsylvania
Sector: Robotics, Industrial Automation
Founder: Matthew Bilsky, PhD, PE, Founder

FLX Solutions designs and integrates robotic and automation systems that help manufacturers improve efficiency, increase precision, and reduce reliance on manual processes.

The company’s flexible robotic platforms are designed to operate in environments where traditional automation is difficult to deploy, enabling inspection, maintenance, and task execution in tight, complex, or hard-to-reach spaces. This approach allows manufacturers to improve productivity and consistency without requiring full systemoverhauls.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania has supported FLX Solutions through strategic guidance, funding, and connections that have helped the company refine its technology and expand opportunities for deployment.

See the technology in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Spwk29PbglU

Autonomous Security and Real-Time Response

Asylon Robotics | Philadelphia | Southeastern Pennsylvania
Sector: Robotics, AI, and Security
Founders: Damon Henry, Co-founder and CEO; Adam Mohamed, Co-founder and CTO; Brent McLaughlin, Co-founder and COO

Asylon Robotics builds automated security systems that combine aerial drones and ground-based robots to deliver continuous, autonomous perimeter monitoring for commercial and industrial sites.

Asylon’s technology is already being deployed across commercial and industrial environments, supporting scheduled patrols, alarm response, and post-incident monitoring. With more than 250,000 missions completed and over 150,000 miles flown, the company is demonstrating how robotics can deliver reliable, 24/7 security coverage while reducing reliance on traditional guard services.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania supported Asylon with six investments totaling $1,050,000 since 2017, helping the company strengthen its platform, scale operations, and position for growth. Ben Franklin also participated in Asylon’s $24 million Series B round through the GO PA Fund with an additional $2.5 million investment.

See the technology in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2rtE90Pr6A

Improving Water Systems with Robotics

Aquatonomy | Pittsburgh | Southwestern Pennsylvania
Sector: Robotics, Water Technology
Founders: Michael Kaess, Ph.D., Founder; Xiaoyu Kaess, Ph.D., Co-founder and COO; Joshua Mangelson, Ph.D., Co-founder and Scientist

Aquatonomy develops robotic systems that inspect, monitor, and maintain water infrastructure, helping utilities and operators better understand and manage complex systems that are often difficult to access and assess.

Their technology enables 3D inspection and data collection in low-visibility environments, providing more consistent, accurate insights compared to traditional manual methods. By improving how water systems are evaluated and maintained, Aquatonomy is helping reduce risk, extend infrastructure life, and support more informed decision-making.

Through Innovation Works’ Robotics Factory program, Aquatonomy gained access to prototyping facilities, mentorship, and early-stage funding that supported product development and team growth. This support has been instrumental in helping the company advance its technology and move toward real-world deployment across water and infrastructure systems.

See the technology in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6NG8nYOe5E
Read the full case study: https://www.innovationworks.org/case-studies/aquatonomy/

Building the Future of Robotics in Pennsylvania

From advanced construction technologies to industrial automation, autonomous security systems, and water infrastructure monitoring, these companies represent the breadth of robotics innovation taking place across Pennsylvania. Ben Franklin Technology Partners plays a critical role in supporting this growth by providing funding, hands-on guidance, and connections that help companies navigate technical and operational challenges while scaling their impact.