TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 runs October 13 to 15 at Moscone West with a new track on physical AI and autonomous systems.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will have two AI stages, adding the Real World AI Stage to the existing AI Stage. The new stage will focus on autonomous hardware beyond self-driving cars, including robots in public spaces, battlefields, and homes. The event runs October 13 to 15 at Moscone West in San Francisco.
Organizers added the stage because AI developments now extend into hardware, and confirmed speakers include Nvidia’s Les Karpas, Shield AI’s Nate Michael, and Colossal Biosciences CEO Ben Lamm. FieldAI and Foxglove also will appear.
The sessions matter for builders and operators because they address the robot data gap that blocks general-purpose physical AI. Speakers will also cover validation and safety for autonomous systems in defense, transport, and industry, where a single failure carries high stakes.
More speakers for the Real World AI Stage are still to come, and the announced agenda already covers robot data, safe deployment, and de-extinction. Attendees can use these sessions to gauge how quickly robotic intelligence is advancing and which safety practices define successful deployment.
What matters
- TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will feature two AI tracks, including the new Real World AI Stage.
- The stage addresses data, simulation, and safety validation for physical AI builders.
- Nvidia, Shield AI, and Colossal sessions will cover robot AI, safety, and de-extinction.
Why it matters
Nvidia, Shield AI, and Colossal sessions will cover robot AI, safety, and de-extinction.
This GenAI News article was prepared in original wording using reporting and materials published by TechCrunch AI. Source reference: https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/02/techcrunch-disrupt-2026s-new-real-world-ai-stage-features-nvidia-robots-and-extinct-animals/.
Drafted by the GenAI News review pipeline.