A pair of special guests paid a visit to Rutgers University this week.

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo took a tour of the technology labs on campus that highlighted the need for federal investment in innovation and development, specifically in robotics.

"Robots and other similar technology are created to seamlessly work alongside humans…we need not fear being replaced by them,” says Rutgers student Faith Johnson. “Robots have the potential to free humans from the more mundane tasks of life so that we can have more time to do what we do best— come up with creative solutions to the world's most pressing problems."

Rutgers labs are researching robotics, clean energy and sustainable manufacturing.