Robotics Ecosystem
Connecting & Educating
MassRobotics is the collective work of a group of Boston-area engineers, rocket scientists and entrepreneurs.
With a shared vision to create an innovation hub to support and focus on the needs of the robotics and startup community and to escalate these companies to success, MassRobotics was born.
MassRobotics’ mission is to help create and scale the next generation of successful global robotics and connected device companies by providing entrepreneurs and innovative robotics and automation startups with the workspace and resources they need to develop, prototype, test and commercialize their products and solutions.
“MassRobotics is a great asset to the City of Boston. They’re nurturing local talent and attracting innovators from around the world to bring their talent here.”
Marty Walsh, 2020 (Prior Boston Mayor, Prior United States Secretary of Labor)

In order to create a fertile environment in which visionaries can thrive, MassRobotics:
- Offers best-in-class infrastructure and prototyping facilities to enable the unfettered development of robotic / automation systems.
- Promotes cost efficiencies by sharing services such as prototyping and testing space, maintenance support, IT, security, business services, investor introductions and customer acquisitions.
- Anticipates needs and roadblocks for entrepreneurs in order to provide the smoothest possible path to growth.
- Provides innovation and investment back to the high-tech community through acquisition opportunities, technology licensing and facilitated innovation sabbaticals.
- Develops common-need technology services (e.g. sensors support and standards office) for the MassRobotics community.
- Inspires the next generation of innovators and builders through in-house, hands-on STEM collaboration and initiatives.
Meet The Team
Tom Ryden
Executive DirectorJoyce Sidopoulos
Chief of OperationsMicaelah Morrill
VP, Business DevelopmentPeter Russo
VP, Manufacturing SupportColleen Anderson
Director, Community & EventsRussell Nickerson
Engagement LiaisonJuan Necochea
Director, Strategic PartnershipPaul Schmitt
Automated Vehicles DirectorVijay Somandepalli
UAS/AAM DirectorSayo Shingu
Marketing ManagerNasir Ahmad Nezami
Laboratory ManagerKevin Smith
STEM Program ManagerAndi Spillane
ConciergeKhalif Mitchell
STEM Educator
History & Founders
MassTLC established the Massachusetts Robotics Cluster in 2004 to bring together companies, institutions, and individuals engaged in robotics research, education, product design, and commercialization. During these cluster meetings, industry leaders discussed breakthrough ideas—one of which was developing an innovation hub and co-working space focused on robotics. Cluster members worked together to develop a business plan and organization that would accelerate and escalate robotics technology and adoption. In 2015, those ideas came to fruition, and MassRobotics was formed as a non-profit with a mission to support the growing robotics ecosystem.
Founders include: Tye Brady | Steve Paschall | Fady Saad | Joyce Sidopoulos | Daniel Theobald.
Board of directors

Tye Brady, Chair
Chief Technologist, Amazon Robotics

Colin Angle
CEO & Co-Founder, iRobot Corporation

Daniela Rus
Director, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) MIT

C.A. Webb
Former President, Kendall Square Association
Board of Directors, Boston Foundation

Tim Rowe
CEO & Founder, Cambridge Innovation Center
Chairman, Director, Co-Founder, LabCentral

Tom Hopcroft
Former CEO & President, Mass Technology Leadership Council

Daniel Theobald
Founder & Chief Innovation Officer, Vecna Robotics

Tom Ryden
Executive Director, MassRobotics
Co-Founder and Former COO, VGo Communications
Subscribe to the MassRobotics Newsletter
Learn about our residents and partners, participate in our events and challenges, and receive robotics and AI industry news.