Humanoids, AVs & the Future of AI Hardware at Disrupt 2025
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is Ready to Rock Moscone West
What’s the Big Deal?
From October 27 to 29, the iconic Moscone West in San Francisco will crack open its gates for a wild three days of startup wizardry and venture capital grit. Over 10,000 innovators, investors, and dream‑chasers will converge to hash out bold ideas, showcase jaw‑dropping tech, and steer the conversations that will shape tomorrow.
Spotlight on the AI Stage
One of the most buzzed‑up moments on the AI Stage will uncork the next chapter of AI hardware. It’s not just a talk—it’s a live, neck‑snapper dive into the robotics and autonomous systems that’re redefining the limits of real‑time performance.
Meet the Visionaries
- Raquel Urtasun – a trailblazer who’s been mapping out the smarter side of AI long before it was cool.
- Jeff Cardenas – the mastermind behind next‑gen AI hardware that turns abstract concepts into humming reality.
They’ll demolish the “what ifs” and get down to the gritty nitty‑gritty of human‑like robotics and autonomous vehicles that actually run on city streets, not just on paper.
What to Expect
- Deep tech insights that won’t make you yawn (unless you’re on the other side of the dome).
- A behind‑the‑scenes look at turning sophisticated simulation and embodied intelligence from prototype to street‑ready gear.
- Real‑time demos that will leave you wondering how we pulled this off.
So, come ready to smirk, learn, and maybe get an idea that will change the world—because at TechCrunch Disrupt, the future isn’t just happening, it’s being built right now.
Building the future, piece by piece
Meet Jeff Cardenas – Head of Human‑Centric Robots
Who he is: Jeff Cardenas is the co‑founder and CEO of Apptronik, a company that’s on a mission to make robots that can actually get along with us. Think of his robots as the friendly neighbors of the future—smart, safe, and ready to help out without any awkward awkwardness.
What Apptronik’s People‑First Robots Do
- They learn from human behavior so they can predict and adapt to our moves.
- They’re designed with safety first, using sensors and AI to avoid mishaps.
- They’re commercially viable, helping companies—from factories to homes—boost productivity.
Key Partnerships That Make It Happen
- Google DeepMind – for cutting‑edge AI reasoning.
- Nvidia – powering the robust visual processing.
- Mercedes-Benz – leaders in robotics for automotive safety.
The Big Goal
Jeff’s ultimate aim is simple: make robotics practical, capable, and commercially viable. He wants robots to be a natural part of everyday life, like a helpful buddy in your workplace or home.
Raquel Urtasun – Driving the Future of Autonomous Cars
Who she is: Raquel Urtasun is the founder and CEO of Waabi, a company that’s pushing the frontiers of self‑driving tech. With a strong background in both research and entrepreneurship, she’s at the forefront of building AI systems that can navigate the world safely.
What Makes Her Work Stand Out
- She uses real‑world simulation to train car‑AI on scenarios too risky to test on actual roads.
- Her approach is scalable and intelligent, meaning it’s ready for widespread deployment.
Accolades & Recognition
- TIME Magazine highlighted her breakthroughs.
- Business Insider featured her contributions to tech innovation.
- The Royal Society of Canada honored her with prestigious awards.
The Big Vision
Raquel’s mission is to set new standards in autonomous vehicle platforms, ensuring that future cars are not only smart but super reliable. She’s determined to make self‑driving a reality for everyone, reducing accidents and paving the road to safer, cleaner journeys.
Why this session matters
AI Hardware: The New Talk Show Between Smarts and Moves
Picture this: imagine your toaster having its own little brain, deciding when to pop fresh bread while watching out for the muffin crumbs. That’s the kind of mind‑in‑a‑machine we’re heading into. Today, AI hardware isn’t just a backbone; it’s the living, breathing bridge that lets gadgets actually act on their cleverness.
From Robots to Real‑World Walkers
- Robots tightly mingle with humans, learning to navigate kitchens, classrooms, and even crowded office pods.
- Autonomous systems now traverse streets, hills, and uneven paths with the grace of a seasoned GPS navigator.
In the next wave, hardware needs to do three juicy things at once:
- Think – crunch data fast enough for split‑second decisions.
- Sense – capture motion, light, sound, and temperature all at once.
- Perform – turn those insights into actions—maybe pulling a plug, or flipping a switch.
What We’ll Dive Into
During this session, we scrub through:
- Progress that’s making the future feel like yesterday.
- “Well‑planned” challenges that keep the community on its toes.
- Breakthroughs that feel like science‑fiction coming true.
Join the Conversation
Ready to get the inside scoop? Grab your spot at the AI Stage hosted by TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place from October 27‑29 at the Moscone West in San Francisco. It’s a prime chance to mingle with roughly 10,000 startup and VC leaders—and best of all, you can save up to $675 before the price hike.
Don’t miss out! Register now and watch as the world of AI hardware leaps from static diagrams to living, walking entities.
