Editor-Curated Robotics Industry Briefing - RobotToday

Shield AI, Waabi, and General Motors Discuss AI Safety at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, leaders from Shield AI, Waabi, and General Motors will address the critical issue of deploying AI in high-stakes environments. Nathan Michael from Shield AI, Raquel Urtasun of Waabi, and Mikell Taylor from General Motors will explore the challenges of ensuring safety and reliability in autonomous systems, where failures can have severe consequences. The discussion will focus on the importance of creating a safety culture, rigorous testing, and navigating regulatory challenges in the deployment of AI technologies. With Nathan Michael's expertise in mission autonomy software and Waabi's advancements in autonomous driving, the session will provide insights into the complexities of trusting AI in real-world applications. As the event approaches, attendees are encouraged to secure their passes before the deadline to gain valuable perspectives on the future of AI in critical applications. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.

TechCrunch By TechCrunch Events Sep 24, 2026 AI Robotics Startups TC Transportation General Motors

General Motors Is Cutting Its Development Cycles in Half

General Motors is accelerating its vehicle development process to compete with fast-paced Chinese automakers like BYD, which can bring electric vehicles (EVs) to market in under two years. This initiative, led by Sterling Anderson, GM’s chief product officer and former Tesla executive, aims to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and simulation technology to significantly reduce design and production timelines. In a recent video call, Anderson and Jason Fischer, GM’s executive director of virtual integration engineering, outlined how AI is reshaping automotive design. Traditionally, the development process involved lengthy empirical testing and siloed engineering efforts. However, GM's new approach integrates multiple functions into a single virtual tool, allowing engineers to simulate design changes in minutes rather than hours. This method has already halved the development time for the electric GMC Hummer, which went from concept to showroom in just two years. GM is applying these advanced techniques across various projects, including self-driving cars and NASA's lunar rover, enhancing their ability to simulate real-world conditions and improve vehicle performance before physical prototypes are built. By running thousands of simulations, GM can identify and address potential issues early in the design process, ultimately leading to more refined vehicles. This innovative strategy positions GM to keep pace with the rapidly evolving automotive landscape and meet consumer demands for faster, more efficient vehicle production.