Who: Pittsburgh Penguins (31-17-14, 76 points, 3rd place Metropolitan Division) @ Carolina Hurricanes (35-22-5, 75 points, 5th place Atlantic Division)
Pittsburg, PA
Pittsburgh aims to capitalize on AI boom. Here’s how Steel City is remaking itself.
At Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute, robots are being trained to use artificial intelligence to do everyday tasks. One curvy, tubelike robot with a claw for a hand is learning how to hang clothes. Another is being trained to help people get dressed – it can grab onto a sleeve and pull it up a person’s arm.
The robots are examples of something called physical AI: essentially, robots that use artificial intelligence to perceive their environment and make decisions with some degree of autonomy. The university sees physical AI as a technological frontier where it can plant a flag – and it’s doing this work in a building that carries echoes of Pittsburgh’s industrial past.
In a passageway between lab rooms at the institute – housed in what a top faculty member says used to be the Bureau of Mines – a pair of tracks mark the path where steel mining carts used to bring equipment to be inspected. It’s a visible reminder of Pittsburgh’s steel boom, which brought in a massive wave of manufacturing and job growth until the industry collapsed in the early 1980s.
Why We Wrote This
Pittsburgh, once known as a center of the steel industry, now wants to be a hub for the kind of artificial intelligence that makes a difference in peoples’ daily lives. What happens here could produce innovations that affect the economy on a broader scale.
Now, Pittsburgh is banking on being a leader in a potential new industrial revolution. With a pool of talent from Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh, the city ranks No. 7 on the Brookings Institution’s benchmarking of nearly 200 U.S. artificial intelligence hubs. City leaders promote Pittsburgh’s potential to be a global AI hub. They say the AI revolution is a natural extension of the region’s industrial history, and will bring in blue-collar jobs by way of data center construction. They also say Pittsburgh’s culture means its AI innovation is focused on technologies that can solve significant problems for people.
“We’re not a land of dating apps,” says Meredith Meyer Grelli, the managing director of Carnegie Mellon’s Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship. “We’re like, figure [stuff] out that makes the world a better place to be in.”
As with all bets, Pittsburgh’s wager on AI comes with risks. After a decades-long economic slump, the AI boom has brought venture capital to the city, with investment reaching a record high of $999 million last year. But AI is still a new industry, and it’s not yet clear whether people will flock to robots that could empty their dishwashers or perform surgeries. A number of high-profile figures like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman suggest investors have become overexcited about the technology – and if they pull back, the boom could fizzle.
Even if AI growth continues, city leaders’ predictions could still fall short. Unlike during the steel mining boom, for example, many of the jobs created by AI – like construction jobs for data centers – so far are temporary.
And although Pittsburgh has seen innovations in many areas of AI, city leaders seem especially quick to tout its capabilities in physical AI – an area that not everyone sees as the future.
“Robotics is a slow field that makes slow progress,” says Zico Kolter, a co-founder of Gray Swan AI and a professor at Carnegie Mellon’s School of Computer Science, referring in part to physical AI.
But those pushing for Pittsburgh to lean into AI see reasons to be optimistic. Artificial intelligence in general is in a moment of significant growth, with AI’s global market value – generally determined based on factors including capital investment and future growth potential – projected to exceed $4.8 trillion by 2033, according to a United Nations report.
Many people already interact with AI by using chatbots like ChatGPT, or when they see an AI overview as the result of a Google search. Physical AI is more rare in everyday life, but is becoming more visible – for example, with driverless taxis in cities like San Francisco. That technology was pioneered at Carnegie Mellon.
“These are technologies that spread through the whole economy,” says Mark Muro, a senior fellow at Brookings Metro. “If this technology is so important for productivity gains, it really matters who has it and who doesn’t.”
An attempt to own the moment
A one-mile corridor starting in Bakery Square, a bustling office district with housing, shopping and restaurants, offers a glimpse into the city’s rising technology profile. Dubbed “AI Avenue” by developers last year, the stretch of blocks houses 26 tech companies developing AI, including physical AI – from big names like Google and Duolingo to fast-growing startups.
Joanna Doven, a founding CEO of a government consulting firm, says AI Avenue produced a “light bulb moment” a couple years ago. She recalls noticing a flurry of tech-related leasing in the area, and wondered, “Is anybody paying attention?”
Her thinking was, “This is a moment we should own.” Now she leads Pittsburgh’s newly formed AI Strike Team, a 13-member group that strives to unite key players in business, academia, and the government to make the city a leading technology hub. The team’s pitch includes the intangible factor of Pittsburgh’s industrial culture.
“We have founders that are here for a reason,” says Ms. Doven. “The gritty, hard-work ethic of Pittsburgh is still here, and that’s something that they need to succeed.”
She says Pittsburgh’s technological development focuses on health care, physical AI, and defense. This year, the city saw three new AI companies become “unicorns” – companies worth more than $1 billion. All three fit at least one of those categories.
Pittsburgh is still no Silicon Valley, says Mr. Muro, a co-author of the Brookings AI report. The California region known as a center of tech boasts at least 60 of these “unicorn” companies. But he says Pittsburgh’s manufacturing legacy allows it to offer unique contributions.
“The U.S. AI boom is impressive but it’s imbalanced – oriented too little toward real-world, often manufacturing, use cases,” writes Mr. Muro in an email to the Monitor. “But this is what Pittsburgh is working on and good at. … We need a bridge that connects AI and manufacturing.”
The jobs question
A short drive from AI Avenue is Carnegie Mellon University, home to the country’s top-ranked AI program according to the U.S. News and World Report, and widely considered to have one of the strongest robotics programs – a combination that’s a fit for physical AI.
On a recent afternoon, a drone hovers over the sidewalk bridging the campus with the neighboring University of Pittsburgh. Inside the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship on CMU’s campus, students work at a cluster of tables piled with cables and other equipment, next to a small human-shaped robot that hangs from a cable. They’re collecting data on how to make an AI algorithm inhabit a physical form.
Carnegie Mellon is at the center of “so many developments, so many companies and so many economies,” says Mike Embrescia, the chief development officer of the physical AI company Carnegie Robotics, which is not directly connected to the school.
College graduates have gone on to found businesses like Aurora Innovation, a Pittsburgh-based company that recently became the first to launch an AI-based commercial driverless trucking service on public roads.
But these college graduates are also bearing the brunt of a softening labor market, according to new data. And many people speculate that AI development may lead to unemployment, as robots could be created to do tasks more efficiently than humans, without having to be paid.
When people find out he works in AI, Mr. Embrescia says, “You typically get the remark, oh, they’re gonna take my jobs someday.”
Pennsylvania has made an effort to link AI with job creation. In June, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and leaders from Amazon announced a $20 billion investment in AI infrastructure resulting in the construction of two new data centers in the state. Gov. Shapiro says the data centers will result in 10,000 temporary construction jobs as well as 2,400 permanent jobs.
Ms. Doven thinks that rather than just taking jobs, AI can help fill positions that are already vacant. “In the Pittsburgh region, there’s two available jobs for every one person that wants a job,” she says as she grabs a late lunch in Bakery Square. Pointing to the restaurant’s kitchen, she says the staff here have been hiring dishwashers at well above market rate because of the difficulty in finding workers.
She admits the effects of AI on job security are uneven across industries.
“Software jobs are in peril,” she says. “Highly specialized AI jobs are in demand.”
For some people, job loss from AI is already a reality. Language learning company Duolingo drew criticism for laying off about 10% of its contractor workforce early last year as it expanded reliance on AI.
A recent Brookings report found that the U.S. labor market had not yet been notably impacted by AI, although the report’s writers emphasized that could change as the technology develops.
“The new steel”
The Lawrenceville neighborhood in Pittsburgh was once labeled a blighted community. When the steel industry collapsed, the steel mills and foundries shuttered, leaving the buildings as hollow reminders of past prosperity.
Now, Lawrenceville has a new identity. Underpinning the community is the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC), a technology organization formed by Carnegie Mellon University that’s housed in what used to be a steel foundry. The surrounding area has been dubbed “Robotics Row” for the cluster of robotics and artificial intelligence companies that have sprung up largely within the last decade.
This is where the self-driving unit of Uber got its start about 10 years ago. And this is where Carnegie Robotics, operating out of an old steel mill across the street from NREC, recently designed a piece of AI software, which clips onto soldiers’ backpacks, that can translate languages onto soldiers’ eyeglasses or map out battlefields in 3D.
It’s the kind of innovation Pittsburgh strives to be known for.
“We were the center of the world around steel,” says Mark Henderson, vice chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh and a member of Pittsburgh’s AI Strike Team. “AI is the new steel.”
Pittsburg, PA
How Pittsburgh area drivers can save money on gas as prices rise during the war with Iran
Until the prices at the gas pump start to come down, we’re all looking for a way to trim our spending on fuel. The good news is that there are a number of ways to do that, and they just might be in your wallet or on your phone right now.
Whether it’s credit card reward programs or brand loyalty programs, finding a discount at the gas station is easier than you might think.
Most major gas stations either have loyalty programs or memberships that can save you money. There’s also the option of using AAA to find some savings.
On your phone, there are several apps and options that can save you money, like GasBuddy or Waze.
“The Auto Club app, which is our app, it actually will guide you toward the least expensive fuel in the area near you,” explained Jim Garrity of AAA East Central.
Both AAA and AARP have deals with Shell, where members can get five cents off a gallon.
Meanwhile, if you’re getting your shopping done at one of the warehouse, wholesale stores such as Sam’s Club, BJ’s, or Costco, part of your membership is a gas discount, which is usually at least 10 cents cheaper.
Even if you aren’t a member of one of these wholesale stores, many grocery stores have rewards programs that can get you a discount at gas stations.
Garrity said there are also things you can do behind the wheel that can save you money on gas, starting with slowing down.
“Essentially, for every five miles over 50 miles an hour you’re driving, we found that you’re decreasing your fuel economy exponentially,” he explained.
He also said that drivers should avoid jack rabbit starts – basically pushing down on the gas pedal instead of easing off the brake and putting slight pressure on the gas pedal. Drivers also should make sure that they’re keeping up with regular maintenance.
“They save up pennies that over time really add up,” he said.
Obviously, changing your driving habits is hard, especially because you don’t see immediate results, and that can lead to frustration.
Using those memberships, rewards programs, and discount resources, that’s real money and more immediate.
Pittsburg, PA
Steelers Add Year to Cam Heyward’s Contract, Creating Cap Space
The Pittsburgh Steelers finally have some clarity on Cameron Heyward’s short-term future with the team.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac, the Steelers have added an extra year to Heyward’s deal. As a result, they freed up right around $5.5 million in cap space.
SOURCES: The Steelers have added a year to DE Cam Heyward’s contract, creating nearly $5.5 million in cap space. His new deal is worth $32.25 million over two years with the first year guaranteed.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) March 10, 2026
Heyward’s contract is now worth $32.25 million across two seasons, though only the first of those two years is guaranteed.
The reigning second-team All-Pro previously had one year left on his contract, which carried a cap hit of $19.150 million.
Heyward’s deal was a source of contention during training camp last summer, as the 15-year veteran looked to negotiate his contract after previously having agreed to a two-year, $29 million extension leading into the 2024 campaign.
The 36-year-old, who was a first-team All-Pro that year, later compromised with Pittsburgh after it added a little over $3 million in incentives to his contract before Week 1 of the 2025 season.
Over 17 games, Heyward recorded a total of 3.5 sacks and 78 tackles with a forced fumble.
With it appearing set in stone that he’ll return for the 2026 season after agreeing to his modified deal, the question now becomes whether or not Heyward will play out the duration of his contract through 2027.
What Could Steelers Do with Extra Money?
Pittsburgh was rather active both shortly before and immediately after the legal tampering period began, re-signing cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. and linebacker Cole Holcomb while also signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers corner Jamel Dean and acquiring wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. via trade from the Indianapolis Colts, whom it immediately inked to a three-year, $59 million extension.
It’s been a bit quiet for the Steelers since that initial wave, however, with punter Cameron Johnston representing their only move on the second day of free agency.
There’s still plenty of names out there on the open market, and with needs remaining along the offensive line, at safety and receiver even after adding Pittman Jr., the action shouldn’t stop for Pittsburgh.
While quarterback remains the most substantial question mark for the Steelers on paper, the widespread assumption remains that Aaron Rodgers will eventually return to the franchise. When that decision will, or could, become official, though, is anyone’s best guess at the moment.
The money Pittsburgh saved by revising Heyward’s contract could help fill out its roster not only through free agency, but also via the 2026 NFL Draft now that it has 12 picks at its disposal upon being awarded four compensatory selections.
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Pittsburg, PA
Game Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins @ Carolina Hurricanes 3/10/2026
How to Watch: Local broadcasts on FanDuel Sports Network South and SportsNet Pittsburgh, streaming on ESPN+
Pens’ Path Ahead: The Penguins are heading out West later this week to play some late-night games against the Vegas Golden Knights (Thursday, 10 p.m. ET), Utah Mammoth (Saturday, 9 p.m. ET) and Colorado Avalanche (Monday, 9:30 p.m. ET). Then it’s back for a rematch with the Hurricanes in North Carolina next Wednesday.
Opponent Track: The Hurricanes are still on top of the Metro, and they’ve won seven of their last nine, but they’re coming off a loss in Calgary that featured a wild five-goal third period last Saturday.
Season Series: The Penguins won this last matchup 5-1 on Dec. 30. Next up is that road game next Wednesday, followed four days later by a 3 p.m. ET Sunday matinee in Pittsburgh.
Hidden Stat: The Penguins haven’t won in Carolina since March 2019. The visitors are 0-4-4 in eight matchups over that span.
Getting to know the Hurricanes
Andrei Svechnikov – Sebastian Aho – Seth Jarvis
Taylor Hall – Logan Stankoven – Jackson Blake
Nikolaj Ehlers – Jordan Staal – Jordan Martinook
William Carrier – Mark Jankowski – Eric Robinson
Jaccob Slavin – Jalen Chatfield
K’Andre Miller – Sean Walker
Mike Reilly – Alexander Nikishin
Goalies: Brandon Bussi, Frederik Andersen
Potential scratches: Shayne Gostisbehere (day to day)
Injured Reserve: Charles-Alexis Legault, Pyotr Kochetkov, Nicolas Deslauriers
- Gostisbehere missed the Hurricanes’ Saturday loss to the Flames with a lower-body injury. Mike Reilly will likely slide out of this lineup if he is able to go.
- Nicolas Deslauriers has yet to make his Hurricanes debut since his trade from the Philadelphia Flyers. If the Canes decide to slot him into the lineup Monday night, he would slot into their fourth line.
- The Hurricanes have historically been a tough matchup for the Pens, but the Penguins could take some lessons from the Flames. Calgary got beaten on face-offs (52.5 percent to 47.5 percent) and 5-on-5 scoring chances (24 to 21) while holding strong on hits (26-20) and getting some nice saves from Dustin Wolf to claim a 5-4 win over the Canes on Saturday.

Egor Chinakhov – Rickard Rakell – Bryan Rust
Anthony Mantha – Tommy Novak – Ville Koivunen
Elmer Soderblom – Ben Kindel – Avery Hayes
Connor Dewar – Blake Lizotte – Noel Acciari
Parker Wotherspoon / Erik Karlsson
Sam Girard / Ilya Solovyov
Goalies: Arturs Silovs, Stuart Skinner
Potential Scratches: Evgeni Malkin (suspended), Ryan Graves, Connor Clifton, Kevin Hayes, Justin Brazeau (day to day)
IR: Sidney Crosby, Filip Hallander
- Jack St. Ivany is off IR. He’s headed to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on a conditioning loan, per Seth Rorabaugh.
- Justin Breazeau’s status is uncertain after he was sidelined against the Bruins on Sunday with a day-to-day upper-body injury.
- Today should also lead to more information on whether Sidney Crosby is joining the team for the upcoming five-game road trip. Dane Muse said Sunday that decision would be made after the matchup against the Boston Bruins.
- Evgeni Malkin is set to miss the third game of his five-game suspension tonight. He won’t be eligible to return until the Penguins rematch against the Hurricanes next week.
- It’s a milestone game for Kyle Dubas, who has served as general manager for 600 career games, per Pens PR. A win tonight would tie him with Steve Yzerman for the 14th-most wins through that milestone with 326 victories.
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