Why it Matters

Foundry Robotics Inc., a U.S.-based robotics company, has registered with Aquia Group LLC as its lobbying representative. The defense contractor lobbying registration was signed on June 17, 2026, for activity during the 2026 calendar year.

The move comes as Congress intensifies focus on American robotics competitiveness and supply chain security. Multiple pieces of legislation advancing through both chambers address robotics policy, workforce development, and national security concerns related to foreign manufacturing dependence.

The Big Picture

Foundry Robotics' decision to engage a lobbying firm signals the company's intent to participate in emerging defense sector policy discussions. The robotics industry faces significant regulatory and procurement scrutiny as lawmakers evaluate U.S. competitiveness against international competitors and address national security vulnerabilities in supply chains.

The lobbying team includes Austin Higginbotham, Austin Agrella, and Stoney Burke. Before joining the Aquia Group, Agrella held the position of Director of Oversight, Parliamentarian, and Senior Advisor to the House Appropriations Committee. Agrella also served on the House Homeland Security Committee. Higginbotham previously worked with members including Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), Rep. Pat Fallon (R-TX), and Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC). Burke has prior congressional experience with Rep. Chet Edwards (D-TX) and Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX).

The Foundry Robotics lobbying filing lists Defense as the broad issue area without specifying particular legislation or more granular policy objectives. The company has not publicly identified specific bills or regulatory matters it intends to influence through this engagement.

Congressional members have highlighted concerns about foreign-manufactured robotics dependence, particularly regarding workforce development and national defense considerations. These concerns have prompted legislative action across both chambers addressing robotics competitiveness and security. The House Science, Space and Technology Committee held a hearing on the state of robotics in the United States on April 21, 2026, examining industry challenges and opportunities, and earlier this year, Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) introduced the National Commission on Robotics Act in the House on February 3, with bipartisan co-sponsors Rep. Jennifer McClellan (D-VA) and Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH). The legislation would direct the Department of Commerce to establish an 18-member independent commission to evaluate U.S. competitiveness in robotics, including assessments of supply chain risks, national security implications, and workforce challenges.

Additional recent proposed legislation addresses national security concerns related to Chinese robotics firms. Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the Blocking CCP Spy Tech Act of 2026 on May 20 with co-sponsor Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AK). The legislation targets Chinese robotics firms including Unitree Robotics and DEEP Robotics, citing undocumented remote access tunnels in Chinese robotics platforms as national security threats.

The robotics industry lobbying landscape is a competitive one which includes established players with government relations operations. Gecko Robotics, which secured a major Navy contract, has publicly advocated for robotics competitiveness measures. Other industry participants supporting the National Commission on Robotics Act include Agility Robotics, FANUC America, and the industry association AUVSI. Academic institutions including Carnegie Mellon University have also engaged in advocacy on robotics policy matters.

The Bottom Line

Foundry Robotics' lobbying registration filing indicates the company intends to participate in emerging policy discussions as the global robotics landscape continues to evolve, though specific legislative or regulatory objectives remain unclear from the filing.

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