SKYE and METRO robots
SKYE can be branded and made to wear clothing to fit the activation theme.
Gurnee, Illinois-based activation company puts real robots in front of real audiences — no screens, no simulations
GURNEE, IL, UNITED STATES, August 4, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — GURNEE, IL — Metropolis Robotics, a firm specializing in robotic activations based in Chicagoland, is placing humanoid and quadruped robots directly before audiences at trade expos, retail events, and live gatherings throughout the area — converting what is often discussed theoretically into something people can approach, engage with, and recall.
Established in 2023, Metropolis Robotics, with its headquarters in Gurnee, Illinois, runs its operations from a specialized facility in Zion, Illinois. There, its crew designs, tailors, and sends out robotic platforms for experiential marketing and event activations. The company’s primary activation robot, SKYE, has made appearances at prominent industry gatherings such as the National Restaurant Association Show at McCormick Place in Chicago, where it interacted with many attendees during a live activation alongside a retail technology partner.
The organization has consistently grown throughout 2026, recently obtaining performance-event insurance coverage that has enabled a wider range of live activations and is currently expanding its sales pipeline by reaching out to event and meeting-industry groups across the Chicago region. Metropolis Robotics is also organizing its next major public event: Autómata Vivant, a unique robot-focused art exhibition launching February 6, 2027 at Mosquitoe Gallery in Zion — centered on the concept that “not everything alive is human,” merging live robotics with fine art and music in a format never before attempted.
In addition to activations, Metropolis Robotics is putting resources into its own research and development, including proprietary speech-reactive visor technology aimed at giving robots a more expressive and communicative presence during live interactions — work currently covered by a pending U.S. patent application. The company views internal innovation as critical to its enduring identity, setting its activations apart with technology developed and owned by its own personnel.
“We select and use robots that hold up under real conditions such as noise, crowds, long hours, not just in a controlled demo,” said Matthew Rosado, President of Metropolis Robotics. “That reliability is what makes an activation actually work.”
“Every activation starts as an idea and ends as something an audience can walk up and touch,” said Laurentiu Sarbu, Chief Technology Officer of Metropolis Robotics. “Our job is to make sure that journey from concept to deployment is seamless, reliable, and ready to perform the moment the doors open.”
“We’ve built a team that pairs deep robotics engineering with decades of live-event expertise,” added Randall Harju, founder and Active Board Member of Metropolis Robotics. “That combination is what lets us move from concept to show floor with confidence, and it’s what we believe positions the company for real growth ahead.”
Metropolis Robotics is founded on a simple principle: robotics activations ought to be accessible, dependable, and truly captivating — not a gimmick that fails or a demonstration that falls flat. The company’s strategy combines custom robot programming, on-site technical assistance, and event production knowledge drawn from extensive experience across its leadership team.
Looking forward, Metropolis Robotics intends to broaden its activation schedule through 2026 and 2027, with robot sales, service, and leasing options planned to launch in early 2027.
For more information about Metropolis Robotics, visit metropolisrobo.com.
AILEEN DEJESUS
Metropolis Robotics, Inc.
+1 224-789-7046
sales@metropolisrobo.com
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Introduction to Metropolis Robotics
