State Sen. Mike Barrett helped kick off the Tech Hub Caucus late last month. The State House event was a collaborative effort between legislators and industry professionals, who displayed a range of innovative products, including medical care robots.

Barrett, who owns a small health care IT business, understands how the Massachusetts economy benefits from being home to the most innovative companies, from app startups to robotics.

Barrett, the senate cice chair of the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, said, “The key is to keep jobs here by listening to business leaders and creating an environment in which this industry can continue to thrive. I hope the Tech Hub Caucus will be a bridge between private sector companies and elected officials.”

At the Caucus, Barrett met with representatives from iRobot, which is headquartered in Bedford. Barrett got a firsthand look at one of their newest products: A robot that allows doctors to check on patients remotely by manipulating an iPad. Physicians can even listen to their breathing through a stethoscope and consult with a team in real time.

The Tech Hub Caucus plans to meet next in April when legislators will look at another operation located in Barrett’s district, the Verizon Innovation Center in Waltham.