Chicago at Work: Robotics & Physical AI in Industry

Description

​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