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

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place from October 27 to 29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, will feature a key session focused on the future of AI hardware, particularly in robotics and autonomous systems. The event will bring together over 10,000 startup and venture capital leaders to explore groundbreaking technologies and ideas. A highlight of the conference is a discussion with Raquel Urtasun, founder and CEO of Waabi, and Jeff Cardenas, co-founder and CEO of Apptronik, who will share insights on integrating AI with real-world physical systems such as autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots. The session will delve into the challenges and innovations involved in developing intelligent machines that operate safely and effectively in the physical world. Topics include the use of simulation, sensors, and software infrastructure critical to scaling these technologies. The conversation aims to provide a realistic and forward-looking perspective on how AI-driven robotics and self-driving platforms are evolving and the implications for industry, labor, and infrastructure.