The National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) is an operating unit within Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute (RI), the world’s largest robotics research and development organization.

NREC technical personnel include RI faculty and staff, as well as personnel dedicated to furthering robotics education in elementary, secondary and post-secondary schools. NREC maintains close ties with campus-based Robotics Institute faculty and staff through project collaborations, staff and graduate student exchange, and seminar participation. RI faculty often keep office space at both locations.

The NREC frequently adapts and refines technology developed at the Robotics Institute for industrial or government use. A typical NREC project includes a rapid proof-of-concept demonstration followed by an in-depth development and testing phase that produces a robust prototype with intellectual property for licensing and commercialization. All through the process, the NREC applies best practices for software development, system integration, and field testing.

The result? Theoretical concepts and laboratory technologies are converted into functional, reliable and cost-effective robotics systems. Sponsors and partners participating in this process include large manufacturing companies, technology startups and government agencies such as NASA and the Department of Defense.