International lineup of industry leaders to present the latest developments in robotics at this full-day conference

EDINA, Minn., Sept. 21, 2012 - ReconRobotics, Inc. and the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) have announced that they will host the second annual Robotics AlleyTM Expo and Conference at the Westin Edina Galleria Hotel on November 15th.

The event will bring together 400 leaders in robotics research, design, business development, law, government and policy, and investment banking to share their insights into the explosive, worldwide growth of robotics and autonomous systems. Attendees will also learn how companies from various fields are leveraging robotics technology to improve productivity and generate job growth.

Five internationally known speakers will make keynote presentations during the Conference:
What Happens When Robots Take Over Our World? Daniel Wilson, author of the best-selling novel, Robopocalypse, which is being adapted into a film by director Steven Spielberg.

Do Military Robots Save Lives? Lt. General Rick Lynch, U.S. Army (Ret.), executive director of the Automation Robotics and Research Institute in Fort Worth, Texas.

Robot and Human Interaction - Entertaining or Creepy? Heather Knight, Ph.D. researcher at Carnegie Mellon, founder of the Robotics Film Festival and director of Marilyn Monrobot Labs. Her presentation will include a stand-up comedy performance by an amazingly engaging robot.

What is the U.S. National Robotics Initiative? Dr. Richard Voyles, National Science Foundation Program Director. His presentation will describe the U.S. National Robotics Initiative and its goals of accelerating the development of autonomous systems and encouraging the use of robots that work cooperatively with people.

How has South Korea Emerged as a World Leader in Robotics? Dr. Chul Hue Park, Executive Director of Policy and Planning at the Korea Institute for Robotics Industry Advancement (KIRIA). He will present the history of robotics leadership in South Korea and the increasingly global marketplace for their robotics technologies.

A dozen other robotics industry experts from the fields of law, medicine, government, international trade and unmanned aerial systems will present on far-ranging topics across three tracks: business and finance, technology and research, and policy and ethics.

Attendees will also have access to the Robotics Alley Expo, which will feature interactive displays of robotics initiatives from nearly 20 companies and organizations, including PaR Systems, Polaris, NPC Robotics and PRI Robotics.

"The Upper Midwest is rapidly evolving as a key hub in our nation's robotics industry," said Andrew Borene, executive director of Robotics Alley. "This event brings all the experts together, and gives anyone interested in the field as a career, investment or partnership an in-depth look at what's driving the worldwide growth in robotics."

"The State of Minnesota has a lot riding on the evolution of robotic systems," said Margaret Anderson Kelliher, President and CEO of the Minnesota High Tech Association. "We want to be one of the world's major exporters of autonomous systems because that will translate into thousands of well-paying jobs."

About Robotics Alley
Robotics Alley (www.roboticsalley.org) was founded by ReconRobotics and the Minnesota High Tech Association as an industry-led initiative to bring together the leading businesses, universities, media, investors and policy professionals who will shape the future of the global robotics industry and create jobs in America's heartland. Our thanks to the sponsors listed on back for their support.

About Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA)
MHTA is an association of more than 350 technology companies and organizations. Together, MHTA members fuel Minnesota's prosperity through innovation and technology. They include some of the world's leading corporations, mid-sized companies and startups.  

MHTA members are united behind a common vision to make Minnesota one of the country's top five technology states by 2020. Companies and organizations represented include robotics and automation, IT and computer services, biosciences and health technology, advanced manufacturing, clean, green and edtech. Once a company or organization joins MHTA, all its employees become members. Find out more online at mhta.org or follow MHTA on Twitter at @MHTA.

About ReconRobotics, Inc.
ReconRobotics (www.reconrobotics.com) is the world leader in tactical, micro-robotic systems. Worldwide, more than 3,700 of the company's robots have been deployed by the U.S. military and international friendly forces, and by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and counterterrorism teams. These Recon Scout® and Throwbot® systems protect personnel, minimize collateral damage, and provide immediate reconnaissance within dangerous and hostile environments.