Rob Robinson

Artificial Intelligence, DEFTECH

E: robinsonr@ncmbc.us

Mailing Address: 
North Carolina Military Business Center 
PO Box 1748
Fayetteville, NC 28302

Focus Areas and Experience: 

  • Autonomy
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Machine Learning
  • Robotics
  • Small Unmanned Aerial Systems
  • Virtual and Augmented Reality
  • Wearable Technology

BIOGRAPHY. 

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Robert Robinson II joined the North Carolina Military Business Center in January 2021 as the Strategic Industry Professional for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Robotics (AIMLR).  In this role, Rob will research, outreach and catalog North Carolina entities that have specific capabilities in areas including, but not limited to: autonomy; artificial intelligence; machine learning; robotics; small unmanned aerial systems; virtual and augmented reality; and wearable technology.  Additionally, Rob will coordinate with Department of Defense, other federal agencies and military commands with interests, requirements and/or needs for technologies in the above sectors in coordination with both the NCMBC office and North Carolina Defense Technology Transition Office (DEFTECH).  

Prior to joining the NCMBC, Rob served 23 years on active duty as a commissioned officer in the United States Army.  Rob’s career began in 1997 when he graduated from the United States Military Academy (West Point) and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Infantry.  After attending IOBC his first assignment was to the 1st BN 509th Infantry (Airborne) at the Joint Readiness Training Center where he served as a Rifle Platoon leader and executive officer.  Rob commanded three company level units, most notably Blackhawk Company 1-23 IN (03-04) during the First Stryker Brigade’s operational deployment to Iraq.  As a Major, Rob deployed to Afghanistan as a Military Transition Team Chief (07-08), Iraqi Security Forces Advisor (09-10) and a Battalion Executive Officer for TF Black Lion in East Paktika Afghanistan (12-13).  After serving at 6th Ranger Training Battalion as the Battalion Executive officer (13-15), Rob deployed in support of CJTF-OIR in Kuwait and Iraq (16-17). Upon return from his last deployment Rob transitioned into Electronic Warfare.  Rob retired from service as a Lieutenant Colonel out of the 82nd Airborne Division in February of 2020. 

Rob’s military service awards include: Combat infantryman’s Badge; Ranger Tab; Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal (1xOLC); Purple Heart; ARCOM with Valor Device.

Following retirement from the service, Rob has assisted companies trying to establish business with the Department of Defense while serving as the Director of Strategic Activities at the Emerging Technology Institute.  

He is married to Tabitha Kinnerson and they live in Fayetteville, NC.