HEBI on the NFL Draft Stage

Written By HEBI

HEBI Robotics helped lead the charge representing Pittsburgh robots with CMU on the 2026 NFL Draft main stage and “Powering the Future of Sport: A Draft Week Showcase” event.

HEBI Robotics, represented by CEO Bob Raida and Treadward, helped CMU entertain the NFL’s crowd at the 2026 Draft in Pittsburgh, PA.

HEBI Robotics was selected by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) to help represent Pittsburgh robotics at the 2026 NFL Draft held in Pittsburgh, PA. HEBI’s ability to quickly prepare a compelling robot for the event, coupled with a strong connection to the university, helped determine the selection.

HEBI’s Treadward (“Maggie”) pictured with the Steelers famous “Play Renegade” rally cry.

The HEBI robot selected for the Draft stage was Treadward (dubbed “Maggie” by CMU for the event), a flipper-tracked mobile platform developed by HEBI for use in rugged terrain. The HEBI team adorned the robot with CMU gear in honor of the university as well as large lettering on the bottom of the chassis reading “Play Renegade” - a reference to the Steelers rally song. On stage, the robot tilted back on its rear treads to display the message. The crowd reacted with cheers while the classic Styx song played over the loudspeakers.

Maggie (Treadward) on stage with CMU

With over 805,000 total attendees, the 2026 Draft was the largest in NFL history. The opportunity to represent Pittsburgh’s robotic strengths to the world was an honor. “We’ve been quiet for too long. It’s time to show what Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh robotics community can do.” said Bob Raida, HEBI Robotics CEO.

Before appearing on the Draft main stage Saturday, HEBI also presented at the Robotics Innovation Center in Hazelwood Green earlier that week. CMU’s event Powering the Future of Sport: A Draft Week Showcase brought together investing gurus like Mark Cuban, sports legends like Jerome Bettis, and government officials like Governor Josh Shapiro for a day of showcases and tech pitches. HEBI’s involvement involved live demonstrations of their robotics platform for reporters and VIPs alike.

Treadward in the Allegheny River.

Fame isn’t everything, though, and Treadward was back to work the following week. Despite being a star for the world on Saturday, the robot received no break and was carrying a core sampling tool into the muddy water of the Allegheny river by Tuesday.

“That’s ultimately what makes Pittsburgh-style robots so compelling” says Trevor Sibley, HEBI’s marketing manager, “the goal for these robots is to solve real world problems, get dirty, and get things done.”

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Further coverage of both events can be found at the following links:

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