Exclusive Event Showcases Pittsburgh’s Emerging Tech Talent and Honors the Inspiring True Story of the Afghan Girls’ Robotics Team

Pittsburgh, PA – February 27, 2025 – The Pittsburgh Robotics Network, Carnegie Mellon University‘s School of Computer Science, the University of Pittsburgh, and the Community College of Allegheny County will host a special public screening of Rule Breakers, the highly anticipated feature film telling the inspiring true story of Afghanistan’s first all-girls robotics team. In a city known for its innovation and leadership in robotics, this exclusive event will celebrate local STEM and robotics students while showcasing a global story of perseverance and breaking barriers.

Rule Breakers follows Roya Mahboob, a visionary woman who defies societal constraints to empower the Afghan Dreamers, a team of young girls passionate about robotics and technology. Their groundbreaking achievements gain international attention, sparking both admiration and resistance.

“For over a decade, Pittsburgh has been empowering young women to become confident leaders in STEM,” said Patti Rote, founder of Girls of Steel Robotics, a Pittsburgh-based robotics program. “The story of the Afghan girls’ robotics team mirrors the resilience, passion, and determination we see in our own students. We’re thrilled to be part of an event that celebrates the impact of robotics education worldwide.”

“Seeing the story of these young women unfold in such a powerful and meaningful way is both humbling and inspiring. We are honored to host this screening and share in the experiences of those who played a role in this remarkable journey.” said Jennifer Apicella, Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Robotics Network. The event will showcase Pittsburgh’s rich robotics ecosystem, home to world-class institutions and initiatives shaping the future of technology. Before the film screening, you’ll hear from members of Pittsburgh’s robotics community as they share and celebrate the stories and achievements of local students.

“Pittsburgh thrives on innovation and perseverance, much like the young women in Rule Breakers,” said Howie Choset, Professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science. “By bringing this film to our community and highlighting our own rising stars in robotics, we hope to inspire the next generation of leaders and changemakers.”

The Afghan girls’ robotics team overcame extraordinary challenges—including societal restrictions and political turmoil—to compete on the world stage, proving that talent and ambition know no boundaries.

The screening will take place on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 6–9 p.m. EST at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in Pittsburgh. Tickets will be available to the public on Eventbrite starting February 27 on a first-come, first-served basis.

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ABOUT THE PITTSBURGH ROBOTICS NETWORK

The Pittsburgh Robotics Network is a nonprofit organization dedicated to driving the growth and commercialization of Pittsburgh’s world-leading robotics ecosystem. With over 125 robotics companies in the regional cluster, the Pittsburgh Robotics Network connects businesses, research institutions, investors, and industry leaders to accelerate the transition of breakthrough robotics technology from the lab to the marketplace.

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ABOUT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY

Carnegie Mellon University is a private, internationally ranked research university with acclaimed programs spanning the sciences, engineering, technology, business, public policy, humanities and the arts. Our diverse community of scholars, researchers, creators and innovators is driven to make real-world impacts that benefit people across the globe. With a bold, interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial approach, we do the work that matters.

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ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH 

Founded in 1787, the University of Pittsburgh is  a top-ranked, public institution in Pennsylvania and a member of the Association of American Universities of leading research universities. A top 10 recipient of NIH funding since 1998, Pitt includes its iconic 132-acre campus in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood – home to 16 undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools – and four regional campuses in Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown, and Titusville. Pitt offers 652 degree and certificate programs, serves more than 33,000 students, employs more than 14,000 faculty and staff, and awards 9,000 degrees systemwide.

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ABOUT THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY (CCAC)

Since its founding in 1966, CCAC has flourished, becoming the educational powerhouse it is today—a nationally renowned two-year college dedicated to serving all members of the community. From groundbreaking student success initiatives to top-ranked academic and career-based programs, CCAC continues to be the college of choice for nearly one out of every two adults in Allegheny County. Each year, approximately 30,000 students enroll at CCAC’s four campuses and three neighborhood centers to take advantage of more than 130 degree, certificate, diploma and transfer programs as well as hundreds of noncredit and workforce development courses.

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Contact: Maddi Love, Director of Communications, maddi@robopgh.org

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