TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Debuts 'Real World AI' Stage
AI-generated image · US National Wire
A new programming track focuses on the intersection of digital and physical AI, featuring discussions on robotics, defense, and de-extinction.
As TechCrunch first reported, the outlet has expanded its AI programming for the Disrupt 2026 event in San Francisco, introducing a dedicated "Real World AI Stage" scheduled for October 13 to 15. The new stage focuses on the blending of digital and physical technologies, specifically as autonomous hardware moves into homes, public spaces, and battlefields.
The lineup includes a session with Nvidia's Head of Physical AI, Les Karpas, who will discuss the data gap preventing general-purpose robotic intelligence from reaching a "ChatGPT moment." Other sessions address the risks of deploying AI in high-stakes environments, featuring Shield AI CTO Nate Michael, and the challenges of operating AI at the edge with participants including FieldAI CEO and founder Dr. Ali Agha, Medra CEO and founder Michelle Lee, and Eclipse Ventures partner Aidan Madigan-Curtis.
The programming also explores the transition from prototypes to scaled production with Bedrock Robotics co-founder and CEO Boris Sofman, Foxglove CEO Adrian Macneil, and MBRYONICS CEO and co-founder John Mackey. Additionally, Colossal Biosciences CEO Ben Lamm will discuss the use of AI in biology and the effort to revive extinct species.
Beyond the Real World AI Stage, TechCrunch reports that the event will feature several other tracks, including the Disrupt Stage with speakers from Amazon, Replit, and Tether, as well as the Smart Money, Smart Systems, AI, and Builders stages.