Exploring the Future of AI Hardware: Humanoids and Autonomous Systems at Disrupt 2025
AI Hardware Innovation Takes Center Stage at Disrupt 2025
This October, San Francisco’s Moscone West will host one of the most anticipated gatherings in technology: TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. From October 27 to 29, more than 10,000 startup founders, investors, and industry leaders will converge for three days of thought-provoking sessions and innovation showcases.
The Next Wave: Humanoids and Autonomous Vehicles
Among the event’s highlights, a major session on the AI Stage will focus on the evolution of AI hardware—specifically, the breakthroughs powering humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles. Pioneers Raquel Urtasun, CEO of Waabi, and Jeff Cardenas, CEO of Apptronik, will join forces to discuss how hardware advances are making intelligent machines a practical reality.
- Live Demos: Demonstrations of the latest robotics and AV systems in action.
- Technical Deep-Dives: Insights into how simulation and embodied intelligence transition from research to real-world deployment.
- Future Outlook: What’s next for AI hardware and the industries it’s set to transform?
Meet the Visionaries
Jeff Cardenas (LinkedIn) leads Apptronik, a company at the forefront of human-centered robotics. With partnerships involving Google DeepMind and Mercedes-Benz, Cardenas focuses on building robots that work safely and intelligently alongside humans—moving robotics from lab to commercial viability.
Raquel Urtasun (LinkedIn) is recognized globally for her contributions to self-driving technology. As founder of Waabi, she’s leveraging advanced simulation and AI to set new standards for scalable, intelligent autonomous vehicle platforms—garnering accolades from TIME and the Royal Society of Canada.
Why AI Hardware Matters Now
AI hardware is rapidly shifting from a behind-the-scenes enabler to the critical interface between intelligence and action. The ability for robots to navigate human environments and for autonomous vehicles to handle real-world complexity hinges on hardware that can think, sense, and perform with increasing sophistication.
This session will spotlight:
- Current progress in robotics and autonomous vehicles
- The challenges of scaling advanced hardware for real-world use
- Breakthroughs moving simulation-based intelligence into the physical world
Join the Conversation
Don’t miss Raquel Urtasun and Jeff Cardenas on the AI Stage at Disrupt 2025. Registration is open—secure your spot to connect with thousands of innovators and save on ticket pricing before rates rise. Register here.
