Humanoids, AVs, and what’s next in AI hardware at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place from October 27 to 29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, will gather over 10,000 startup and venture capital leaders to explore cutting-edge technology and future trends. A highlight of the event is a session on AI hardware featuring Raquel Urtasun, founder and CEO of Waabi, and Jeff Cardenas, co-founder and CEO of Apptronik. These industry pioneers will discuss the evolving landscape of AI hardware, emphasizing its critical role in enabling advanced applications in humanoid robotics and autonomous vehicles. The session promises live demonstrations and in-depth technical insights into how AI hardware facilitates the transition from simulation and conceptual models to real-world deployment of embodied intelligence. Jeff Cardenas leads Apptronik in creating practical, human-centered humanoid robots through strategic partnerships with companies like Google DeepMind, NVIDIA, and Mercedes-Benz, aiming to make robotics commercially viable and safe for human collaboration. Meanwhile, Raquel Urtasun is advancing autonomous vehicle