The 2026 TechCrunch Disrupt conference introduces a new “Real World AI Stage” alongside the existing AI Stage, reflecting the rapid development and widespread impact of artificial intelligence. The Real World AI Stage will focus on the intersection of digital and physical realms, exploring how autonomous hardware extends beyond self-driving cars into public spaces, battlefields, homes, and potentially aiding in the reintroduction of extinct species.

The Real World AI Stage features a diverse lineup of speakers from companies such as Shield AI, Colossal Biosciences, FieldAI, and Foxglove. Sessions will address critical topics including the data gap hindering general-purpose robotic intelligence, safety considerations for AI systems deployed in the physical world, the role of AI in de-extinction efforts, and the challenges of implementing AI at the edge where cloud connectivity is limited. Additionally, the stage will host discussions on the transition from prototype to scalable business, sharing insights from founders who have navigated this complex journey in sectors like space hardware, humanoid robotics, and autonomous systems. The event is scheduled for October 13-15 at San Francisco’s Moscone West. Read the full article here

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