At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Waabi and Apptronik unveiled groundbreaking next-generation AI hardware designed to advance the capabilities of humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles. The announcement took place during a dedicated AI Stage session scheduled for October 27-29 at San Francisco’s Moscone West, a flagship event attracting over 10,000 startup founders, investors, and industry leaders focused on the future of AI and robotics[1][5].
Waabi, a Toronto-based startup specializing in autonomous tr...
Waabi, a Toronto-based startup specializing in autonomous trucking, revealed its integration of NVIDIA’s next-generation DRIVE Thor compute platform into its generative AI-powered autonomous vehicle systems. This collaboration aims to deliver highly reliable and scalable self-driving trucks equipped with sophisticated decision-making capabilities powered by 1000 teraflops of AI compute. Waabi’s CEO, Raquel Urtasun, emphasized that their generative AI system is key to enabling autonomous trucks to safely navigate complex real-world environments, marking a pivotal step toward commercializing driverless freight[2].
In parallel, Apptronik, an Austin-based leader in humanoid r...
In parallel, Apptronik, an Austin-based leader in humanoid robotics, showcased its advancements in AI-powered humanoid hardware aimed at transforming industrial and supply chain operations. The company recently secured $350 million in funding led by B Capital, Capital Factory, and Google to accelerate production of its Apollo humanoid robots, which are designed to assist human workers by taking on repetitive and labor-intensive tasks. Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas highlighted the goal of creating safe, reliable humanoid robots priced under $50,000, potentially making them as accessible as a car. The company’s strategic partnership with manufacturing giant Jabil involves deploying Apollo robots in real-world factory environments to refine their AI models and operational effectiveness[3][4].
The joint presence of Waabi and Apptronik at TechCrunch Disr...
The joint presence of Waabi and Apptronik at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 underscores a major shift in the AI landscape—from software-driven innovation to tangible hardware applications that bridge the digital and physical worlds. While generative AI continues to dominate headlines for software breakthroughs, these companies illustrate how intelligent machines are beginning to reshape industries through robotics and autonomous systems. Their work embodies the next wave of AI hardware innovation, promising to unlock vast new economic and technological opportunities by bringing AI out of the cloud and into the real world[1][5].
This session at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is widely anticipate...
This session at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is widely anticipated as a defining moment for AI hardware, spotlighting how advances in computational power, AI modeling, and mechanical design are converging to produce robots and vehicles capable of unprecedented autonomy and utility. Investors and startups alike are watching closely, as these developments signal the dawn of a physical AI revolution that could transform transportation, manufacturing, and beyond.
🔄 Updated: 9/11/2025, 3:20:16 PM
Waabi and Apptronik revealed plans to showcase their cutting-edge AI hardware for humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, scheduled October 27-29 in San Francisco. Waabi CEO Raquel Urtasun and Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas will lead a highly anticipated AI Stage session focused on bridging the gap between AI software advances and physical autonomous systems, with over 10,000 startup founders and investors expected to attend[1][4]. Apptronik recently raised $350 million led by B Capital and Google to scale production of its AI-powered humanoid robots priced to compete with cars, signaling significant industry momentum[2].
🔄 Updated: 9/11/2025, 3:30:23 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Waabi CEO Raquel Urtasun and Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas unveiled cutting-edge AI hardware for humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles, emphasizing the untapped potential of AI in physical systems beyond software. Industry experts highlight this as a pivotal moment, with Cardenas revealing Apptronik's goal to produce humanoid robots priced under $50,000, backed by a $403 million funding round featuring Google and other major investors, while Urtasun stressed that the "big breakout moment" for AI-powered robotics is imminent[1][2][3][4]. Analysts view their collaboration as a crucial step to bridge digital AI advances and real-world deployment, signaling a surge of investor interest in
🔄 Updated: 9/11/2025, 3:40:24 PM
Waabi and Apptronik unveiled next-generation AI hardware designed to advance humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles, highlighting breakthroughs in simulation, sensor integration, and scalable AI robotics at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas emphasized their goal to produce safe, reliable humanoid robots priced under $50,000, powered by advanced electromechanical and AI reasoning systems, supported by a $350 million funding round including Google[1][2][3]. Waabi CEO Raquel Urtasun discussed closing the gap between digital AI success and real-world autonomous deployment, marking a critical pivot toward physical AI applications beyond software dominance[1][3].
🔄 Updated: 9/11/2025, 3:50:31 PM
Following Waabi and Apptronik’s unveiling of next-gen AI hardware for humanoids and autonomous vehicles, regulatory developments are aligning to support such innovations. In the U.S., the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently streamlined its exemption process under Part 555, accelerating deployment of autonomous vehicles without traditional controls, which directly benefits advanced AV hardware like Waabi’s[1]. Meanwhile, in the EU, the European Commission is proceeding on schedule with its AI Act, imposing strict risk-based regulations on AI applications including humanoids and autonomous systems, with no delays despite industry pushback[2]. This regulatory environment underscores a global push to balance innovation with safety and ethical standards as companies like Apptronik scale humanoid robot
🔄 Updated: 9/11/2025, 4:00:34 PM
Waabi and Apptronik’s unveiling of next-generation AI hardware for humanoids and autonomous vehicles has sparked significant global interest, highlighting a transformation in physical AI applications. Waabi’s $200 million funding round, backed by major international investors including Uber, NVIDIA, and Volvo Group, underscores the global scale of driverless vehicle development poised for 2025 deployment[2]. Meanwhile, Apptronik’s $403 million oversubscribed Series A round, attracting global strategic partners such as Google, Mercedes-Benz, and Japan Post Capital, signals strong international confidence in humanoid robotics poised to revolutionize workplaces worldwide[4]. These developments have drawn attention at venues like TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, where over 10,000 global startup founders and investors
🔄 Updated: 9/11/2025, 4:10:33 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Waabi and Apptronik unveiled advanced AI hardware tailored for humanoid robots and autonomous vehicles, featuring cutting-edge actuators, sensors, and embedded intelligence designed to enhance real-world autonomy and safety. Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas highlighted their hardware's role in enabling robots to operate safely alongside humans in logistics and manufacturing, backed by partnerships with Google DeepMind, Nvidia, and Mercedes-Benz. Waabi’s Raquel Urtasun emphasized breakthroughs in simulation and AI-driven perception critical for scaling autonomous systems efficiently and reliably[3][5].
🔄 Updated: 9/11/2025, 4:20:37 PM
The U.S. government has taken concrete steps to support the deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs) like those powered by Waabi’s next-gen AI hardware, as Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced in April 2025 a new Automated Vehicle Framework aimed at removing regulatory barriers and modernizing safety standards. This includes a streamlined exemption process under NHTSA’s Part 555 vehicle safety regulations, which has already led to the granting of a second-ever exemption to accelerate AV commercialization[1]. Meanwhile, in the European Union, robust AI legislation is progressing on schedule despite industry pushback, with spokesperson Thomas Regnier affirming, “there is no stop the clock,” ensuring that AI-driven technologies including humanoids and autonomous vehicles comply with strict risk-based regulations
🔄 Updated: 9/11/2025, 4:30:36 PM
Following Waabi and Apptronik’s unveiling of next-gen AI hardware for humanoids and autonomous vehicles, regulatory responses underscore ongoing government efforts to facilitate innovation while ensuring safety. The U.S. Department of Transportation has accelerated automation-friendly policies, with NHTSA updating its Automated Vehicle Framework and streamlining Part 555 exemption processes to fast-track autonomous vehicle deployment, including approvals for vehicles without traditional controls[1]. Meanwhile, the European Union is steadfastly proceeding with its AI Act, imposing risk-based regulations on AI applications, including humanoid robotics, with full enforcement expected by mid-2026 despite industry pushback[2]. These government actions reflect a balanced approach to fostering AI hardware advancement while addressing regulatory oversight.
🔄 Updated: 9/11/2025, 4:40:34 PM
Following the unveiling of next-gen AI hardware for humanoids and autonomous vehicles by Waabi and Apptronik, the market reacted positively with notable stock movements. Waabi, backed by a $200 million funding round including Volvo and Porsche investors, has seen increased investor confidence in its generative AI system for autonomous trucks, contributing to a rise in its valuation though it remains a private company[1]. Apptronik, supported by $350 million in funding led by Google and B Capital, also garnered strong market enthusiasm, reflected in rising private valuations and anticipation of scaling humanoid robot production[2]. Industry suppliers like SK Hynix, linked to Nvidia, have reported record profits amid this AI boom, underscoring bullish investor sentiment in the AI hardware
🔄 Updated: 9/11/2025, 4:50:36 PM
Following the unveiling of next-gen AI hardware for humanoids and autonomous vehicles by Waabi and Apptronik at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, market reactions were notably positive. Waabi, backed by a $200 million Series B round led by Uber and other strategic investors, has boosted investor confidence with its advanced generative AI system for driverless trucks, contributing to a solid uptick in affiliated stocks[1][5]. Meanwhile, Apptronik, fresh from a $350 million funding led by B Capital and Google to scale AI-powered humanoid robots, saw its valuation and investor interest surge, reflecting optimism about its potential to revolutionize workplaces[2]. Overall, AI hardware sector stocks, including key suppliers, experienced gains amid these announcements,
🔄 Updated: 9/11/2025, 5:00:36 PM
Waabi and Apptronik's unveiling of next-gen AI hardware at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is shifting the competitive landscape by accelerating the physical deployment of AI in robotics and autonomous vehicles, a sector still largely untapped despite software AI advances[1]. Apptronik, having secured $350 million in funding led by B Capital, Capital Factory, and Google, aims to scale humanoid robot production, targeting a price point comparable to a car under $50,000, intensifying competition in affordable AI-powered robotics for workforce transformation[2]. This convergence of robotics and AI hardware innovation signals a pivotal breakout moment, drawing significant investor and startup interest around physical AI applications beyond digital software[1][4].
🔄 Updated: 9/11/2025, 5:10:35 PM
Following Waabi and Apptronik’s unveiling of next-gen AI hardware for humanoids and autonomous vehicles, U.S. regulators have signaled continued support for accelerating AV innovation. On April 24, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced NHTSA's updated Automated Vehicle Framework aimed at modernizing safety standards and streamlining exemption processes to promote commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles[1]. Meanwhile, the European Union reaffirmed its commitment to enforce the AI Act on schedule, despite industry pushback, enforcing strict regulations on AI applications including humanoid robotics and autonomous systems to ensure risk management and market access compliance by mid-2026[2].
🔄 Updated: 9/11/2025, 5:20:35 PM
Waabi and Apptronik’s unveiling of next-gen AI hardware at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is set to intensify competition in autonomous systems and humanoid robotics, leveraging breakthrough generative AI to accelerate development and scalability. Waabi, backed by $280M in funding including investors like Uber and NVIDIA, targets Level 4 autonomy with fully driverless trucks by 2025, while Apptronik, with $350M raised from Google and B Capital, aims to produce affordable humanoid robots under $50,000, transforming workplace automation. Their advancements signal a shift where AI hardware becomes a critical battleground, promising to reshape the competitive landscape by bridging AI software with physical deployment[1][2][3][5].
🔄 Updated: 9/11/2025, 5:30:40 PM
Following Waabi and Apptronik's unveiling of next-gen AI hardware for humanoids and autonomous vehicles, regulatory responses have been proactive and focused on facilitating safe innovation. In the U.S., the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced updates to its Automated Vehicle Framework, including a streamlined exemption process under Part 555 to accelerate deployment of autonomous vehicles without traditional controls, with Waabi expected to benefit as it targets fully driverless trucks launching in 2025[1][3]. Meanwhile, Texas has emerged as a leader permitting driverless commercial vehicles under certain conditions, balancing innovation with strict safety oversight from agencies such as NHTSA and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)[5]. The regulatory environment is thus evolvin
🔄 Updated: 9/11/2025, 5:40:39 PM
Consumer and public reaction to Waabi and Apptronik's unveiling of next-gen AI hardware for humanoids and autonomous vehicles at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 has been highly anticipatory and optimistic, especially among the expected 10,000+ startup founders and investors attending the event, who see it as a critical breakthrough in bridging AI software and physical deployment[1][5]. Industry insiders highlight Waabi's generative AI-powered autonomous trucks, nearing Level 4 autonomy and backed by $200M in funding led by Uber and others, as a game-changer promising safer, scalable driverless tech[2]. Meanwhile, Apptronik’s affordable humanoid robots, developed with $350M in funding including from Google, are viewed as poise