Dave Petrosky has been the CEO of RedZone Robotics since 2020. RedZone was founded in 1987 to design and build robots for the nuclear industry. Its first product was Pioneer, a small remotely operated bull-dozer style robot, deployed at Chernobyl to assist with inspection and remediation efforts. After 15 years, the company pivoted to focus on assessment of infrastructure in the wastewater industry.
Under Dave’s direction, the company clearly defined and communicated its customer value proposition and made substantial investments in product development. As a result of these initiatives, RedZone has tripled in size during the last five years.
Prior to joining RedZone, Dave held various operational, financial and strategic planning roles in several industries. Dave has experience in the healthcare, aerospace, real estate and retail industries. After starting his career as a CPA, Dave has worked both for Fortune 500 companies as well as private equity owned enterprises. Dave holds a degree in Accounting from Bucknell University and a Master’s degree in Electronic Commerce from Carnegie Mellon University.
The robotics industry is entering a new era where success depends not just on innovation but on the ability to scale and deploy systems in real-world environments. While the breakthrough happens in the lab, the business happens post-design across an increasingly unpredictable public infrastructure. This panel assembles robotics industry leaders to bridge the gap between cutting-edge innovation and commercial viability, discussing challenges and opportunities.
Attendees can expect a deep dive into the operational "valley of death" and the strategies used to cross it. Key insights include: