Money Moves is a recurring series where we chart the raises, grants, contracts, mergers and other funding news of tech companies across our regions. Have a tip? Email us at pittsburgh@technical.ly.Big financial gains in Pittsburgh over the last few weeks will help build a strong robotics future and the workforce to support it.  A local institute is inviting organizations to submit project ideas to improve robotics in manufacturing, with millions in funding available for the best proposals. Plus, a multi-million dollar contract between a local robotics company and the nation’s largest independent power operator is set to modernize US power plants.Meanwhile, a $250,000 grant to local workforce development organizations will create a free opportunity for Pittsburgh youth to transition into the tech workforce. Read on for more on these investments, plus other money moves shaping Pittsburgh’s future. Apply for grants toward improving robotics in manufacturing The Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute, an organization dedicated to shaping the trajectory of national manufacturing, has announced plans to award approximately $3 million to multiple projects aimed at enhancing manufacturing automation. The ARM institute is calling for project submissions in four special topic areas, with a deadline of April 9.  The four special topic areas focus on improving robotics in manufacturing through: Advancements in multi-model sensing. This project would use various types of sensors to help robots better understand their environment. Instead of solely relying on cameras, robots would gather data using sound, touch or internal measurements, like force or temperature. Making robots more agile and adaptable. Right now, robots are mostly used for repetitive tasks that don’t change much

Gecko Robotics inks $100M agreement to help modernize its power plants.