Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
Defense tech, AI, and fundraising take center stage at StrictlyVC Los Angeles on June 18
On Thursday, June 18, The Aerospace Corporation Campus will host an evening event bringing together investors, founders, and technology leaders to discuss significant changes in venture capital, defense technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced industries. This gathering aims to foster dialogue and insights into the evolving landscape of these critical sectors, highlighting the motivations behind recent developments and innovations. Attendees are encouraged to secure their spots for this opportunity to engage with industry experts and peers.
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Volvo and Boliden complete dam construction milestone with autonomous transport
Volvo Autonomous Solutions and Boliden have successfully concluded an autonomous transport project at Boliden’s Garpenberg site in Sweden. This initiative represents a significant milestone in their collaboration, following a memorandum of understanding signed earlier in 2023. The project aims to enhance efficiency in mineral transport operations and is expected to pave the way for future joint ventures between the two companies. The successful implementation of autonomous transport technology at Garpenberg underscores the growing trend towards automation in the mining industry, driven by the need for improved safety and productivity.
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Voyager Technologies acquires Astrobotic to advance lunar initiatives
Voyager Technologies has announced its acquisition of Astrobotic, a move aimed at enhancing the development of lunar initiatives and reusable rocket programs. This strategic investment is set to accelerate Astrobotic's existing projects, positioning the company to play a significant role in the growing space exploration sector. The acquisition reflects Voyager's commitment to advancing technologies that support lunar exploration and sustainable space travel. The deal underscores the increasing interest and investment in space-related ventures, particularly those focused on the Moon and beyond.
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Serve Robotics expands beyond food delivery with autonomous laundry service
Serve Robotics has entered into a partnership with NoScrubs, an emerging on-demand laundry service, to expand its delivery offerings beyond prepared food. This collaboration, which marks Serve's inaugural venture into urban delivery for laundry, will kick off this week in select neighborhoods across Los Angeles. Utilizing Serve's fleet of autonomous sidewalk robots, the pilot program aims to deliver laundry orders directly to customers' doorsteps, enhancing convenience and efficiency in urban logistics.
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Forecast: Fun Ahead — 18 Games Join in June to Stream on GeForce NOW
In June, GeForce NOW is set to enhance the gaming experience for its members by introducing a diverse lineup of new titles, ranging from popular blockbusters to unique indie games. Gamers will have the opportunity to explore fresh virtual worlds and engage in new playlists, ensuring an exciting month ahead for the platform's users. This initiative aims to cater to a wide array of gaming preferences, encouraging players to discover and enjoy a variety of gaming adventures. With a commitment to delivering quality content, GeForce NOW continues to solidify its position as a leading cloud gaming service.
Defense tech is flooded with money, but who’s built to last?
The defense technology sector is experiencing significant growth, highlighted by recent valuation increases for companies like Anduril and Mach Industries, which saw their valuations double and quadruple, respectively. This surge comes in conjunction with a proposed 40% increase in the U.S. defense budget, signaling heightened government investment in military innovation. As a result, numerous startups are emerging, eager to secure government contracts. However, venture investor Ross Fubini, who was instrumental in Anduril's early funding, warns that many of these new entrants may struggle to survive the challenging transition from prototype development to securing contracts, a phase often referred to as the "Valley of Death." This dynamic landscape reflects both the urgent demand for advanced defense solutions and the competitive pressures facing emerging companies in the industry.
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Building a Resilient Supply Chain: Regional Security Leaders Focus on Industrial Readiness
The Northeast National Security Conference recently convened to address the pressing need for the United States to bolster its defense industrial base, particularly in the context of the drone industry. As the government seeks to enhance domestic drone manufacturing and minimize dependence on foreign suppliers, the focus has shifted to securing access to critical technologies. This initiative aims to strengthen supply chain security, which has emerged as a significant concern for manufacturers navigating the complexities of sourcing and production. The discussions highlighted the challenges and strategies necessary for building a resilient supply chain that meets national security demands.
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Alibaba's Qwen3.7-Plus supports text, video and imagery inputs at low cost of $0.4/$1.6 per 1M token — but it's proprietary
Alibaba has unveiled its latest AI large language model, Qwen3.7-Plus, this week, enhancing its Qwen family with advanced multimodal capabilities and a cost reduction of 60% compared to the previous text-only model, Qwen3.7-Max. Unlike earlier versions, Qwen3.7-Plus is available solely under a closed commercial license through proprietary APIs and Qwen Chat, marking a significant shift from Alibaba's previous strategy of offering open-source models. This change may disappoint users and enterprises, including major U.S. companies like Airbnb, that relied on open-source versions. The new model excels in multimodal tasks, such as generating enterprise-grade visuals and analyzing videos and images, which its predecessor could not perform. With a competitive pricing structure, Qwen3.7-Plus is positioned just above its Chinese competitor's discounted model. It features a 1-million token context window and a unique parameter called 'preserve_thinking,' which helps maintain continuity during complex tasks, a critical need for developers. Despite its advantages, benchmarks indicate that Qwen3.7-Plus still falls short of leading U.S. models in raw capability. However, it is designed to replace high-cost models in developer workflows and robotic process automation, offering a cost-effective solution for enterprises. The model's cloud-based deployment raises compliance concerns for organizations with strict data residency requirements, as it cannot be downloaded or hosted locally. Overall, Qwen3.7-Plus presents a compelling option for enterprises seeking efficient, multimodal AI solutions without incurring high operational costs.
Technology
Former Meituan delivery tech chief starts a venture for an "restaurant world model" in the era of embodied intelligence.
AtomBite.AI, a company specializing in embodied intelligence, has secured a multi-million dollar seed funding round led by InnoTech Venture Capital, with participation from the Tsinghua Alumni Seed Fund and notable individual investors. This funding will primarily support the development of embodied world models for the restaurant industry and the implementation of core products. The company's founding team, which includes Dr. Wang Dong, a former technical lead at Meituan's food delivery division, aims to address inefficiencies in restaurant kitchens, particularly in the packaging and delivery processes that still heavily rely on manual labor. As global food delivery orders continue to rise, AtomBite.AI identifies the kitchen as a promising application area for embodied intelligence, given its universal demand and clear return on investment for businesses. The team plans to create a "World Action Model" tailored for the restaurant sector, emphasizing the integration of visual and tactile feedback to enhance robotic operations. Their approach focuses on developing a system that learns from real-world interactions rather than relying solely on generalized models. Currently, AtomBite.AI is targeting the packaging and transfer stages of food delivery, which are prone to errors and have quantifiable value. The company anticipates deploying its packaging model in commercial kitchens by 2026, with plans to expand into more complex kitchen operations and broader service industry applications in the future.
China establishes a venture capital fund in Hangzhou with 1 billion yuan; Tianjin opens AI sensor industrial park; Zhejiang plans
ZTO Express has established a new logistics company, Guangzhou Zhongjing Logistics Co., Ltd., in Guangzhou with a registered capital of 500 million RMB. The company, wholly owned by ZTO Express, will engage in domestic freight transportation, equipment leasing, and computer system services. OpenAI has announced its entry into the robotics sector, focusing on developing assistive robots. CEO Sam Altman stated the company is looking for engineers to create robots that can aid in building future infrastructure. The initiative, which has evolved from a world simulation research project, aims to integrate hardware and machine learning for practical applications. Nan Er, Vice President of Zhejiang Chint Electric, has been recognized as a "2026 Zhejiang Youth Technology Entrepreneur" as part of a program to support technology entrepreneurs in the region. Foxconn and French company Bull will collaborate to manufacture AI and cloud infrastructure, with an initial investment of over 120 million euros. The project will utilize facilities in both France and the Czech Republic. On June 1, new regulations for online food delivery were implemented, with Taobao Flash collaborating with various local regulatory bodies to label the first batch of "no dine-in" merchants, enhancing compliance among 60,000 restaurants this year. Muyu Group has partnered with Alibaba Cloud to develop an AI model for the livestock industry, significantly improving the efficiency of health checks for pigs. In investment news, a new venture capital fund, Guoxin Qianjiang, has been established in Hangzhou with a capital of 1 billion RMB, while Zhi Mi has opened a financing window with a pre-IPO valuation of approximately 70 billion RMB. In product developments, a new automotive brand resulting from a collaboration between Sairus and ByteDance is set to launch a hybrid vehicle this year, while Sharpa has introduced a humanoid robot equipped with advanced tactile capabilities in partnership with NVIDIA. Lastly, the Tianjin AI Sensor Industrial Park has officially opened, with ten companies signing contracts, and Shanghai is focusing on advancing core software technologies as part of its development plan. Zhejiang Province is also seeking to implement the "Spark Plan" to accelerate the application of quantum technology products.
Bodeng Intelligent announces completion of hundreds of millions in Series A+ and A++ funding.
Bodeng Intelligent has announced the successful completion of several hundred million yuan in Series A+ and A++ financing, with participation from prominent investors including Dinghui Baifu, Qingxin Capital, Luxin Venture Capital, and Deep Industry Investment. This funding comes as the company positions itself as a key player in the Physical AI era, focusing on core areas such as embodied intelligence, large models, and autonomous driving. Bodeng Intelligent aims to develop a robust ecosystem comprising a real-world scenario network, an automated data engine, and a reality validation system. The latest financing round will facilitate upgrades to its core technology platform, the establishment of a global real-world training network, and the recruitment of top talent, thereby accelerating the implementation of its strategy to "Train at Scale, Validate in Reality."
Itera raises $12 million for fluid circuit board that rewires itself in under a minute
Deep tech startup Itera has unveiled its groundbreaking prototype of the world's first fluid circuit board, a technology that enables engineers to rewire and retest physical electronic circuits in under a minute. This significant advancement aims to streamline the design and testing processes in electronics, potentially transforming how engineers approach circuit development. The announcement was made as Itera emerged from stealth mode, highlighting its innovative capabilities. To support its launch and further development, the company secured $12 million in seed funding from notable investors including Upfront Ventures, Costanoa Ventures, and Colle Capital. This funding will facilitate Itera's efforts to bring its revolutionary technology to market, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of electronic circuit design.
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Unicorn born in record time amid ‘arms race’ among China’s robotic hand developers
In a significant move within the global humanoid robotics sector, venture capitalists and major industrial players in China are intensifying their investments in the development of advanced robotic hands, which are considered a critical challenge in the industry. On Friday, Xynova, a start-up based in Hangzhou, announced the successful completion of its Series A funding round. This round attracted notable investments from the venture arms of prominent companies, including smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi and electric vehicle producer Li Auto. The influx of capital is expected to substantially increase the valuations of start-ups in this burgeoning field, reflecting a growing confidence in the potential of dexterous robotic technology to revolutionize various applications.
Today is the last day to apply to speak at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
TechCrunch is inviting speakers to submit their session topics by the end of today for the upcoming TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 event. This opportunity allows industry experts and innovators to share their insights and contribute to discussions that will influence the future of the technology sector. By applying now, potential speakers can play a pivotal role in shaping the conversations that define the tech landscape. The event is set to take place in 2026, and submissions are encouraged to ensure a diverse range of topics and perspectives are represented.
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Final 24 hours to save up to $410 on your TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 ticket
TechCrunch is offering a final opportunity for attendees to secure Early Bird savings of up to $410 for its highly anticipated Disrupt 2026 event, with the deadline set for tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT. Scheduled for October, this event is expected to draw over 10,000 tech leaders from various sectors, making it one of the year's premier gatherings in the technology industry. The early registration discount aims to encourage participation and ensure that innovators and industry experts can connect and share insights. Interested individuals are urged to register promptly to take advantage of these savings before prices increase.
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SpaceX seeks at least $1.8t valuation in IPO
Space Exploration Technologies Corp., commonly known as SpaceX, is poised to initiate formal marketing of its latest offering as early as June 4. This move marks a significant step for the company as it seeks to expand its portfolio and attract potential investors. The announcement comes amid growing interest in space exploration and commercial ventures, highlighting SpaceX's commitment to advancing its technological capabilities and market presence. By launching this marketing campaign, SpaceX aims to leverage its established reputation in the aerospace industry to secure funding and partnerships for future projects.
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MISUMI Group Launches MISUMI Americas in Company Expansion
A new company has been established to enhance access to industrial expertise and supply chain connections for engineers and manufacturers. This initiative is designed to streamline operations and improve efficiency within the manufacturing sector. By leveraging the extensive knowledge and resources of MISUMI, the company aims to support its clients in navigating complex industrial challenges. The launch of this venture reflects a growing demand for integrated solutions in the manufacturing industry, as businesses seek to optimize their processes and reduce costs. The company is set to begin operations immediately, offering a range of services tailored to meet the specific needs of its clients.
Business Intelligence
Matternet Drone Delivery Raises $33M and Goes Public in Reverse Merger
Matternet, a Mountain View-based drone delivery company, has made headlines by becoming the first publicly reporting pure-play operator in the sector after successfully raising approximately $33 million in an oversubscribed private placement. This funding comes as the company expands its operations in healthcare, retail, and restaurant sectors. The firm completed a reverse merger with Los Altos Ventures Corp., which has now been renamed Matternet, Inc. This strategic move not only enhances Matternet's visibility in the market but also positions it as a leader in the rapidly growing drone delivery industry.
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2 days left: Lock in ticket savings of up to $410 to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
TechCrunch is offering a limited-time opportunity for attendees to save up to $410 on tickets for its Disrupt 2026 event, with the discount set to expire tomorrow, May 29, at 11:59 p.m. PT. The event, scheduled to take place from October 13 to 15 in San Francisco, is expected to attract over 10,000 technology leaders and innovators. This initiative aims to encourage participation and foster networking among industry professionals, highlighting the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in the tech sector. Interested individuals are urged to register promptly to take advantage of the savings and secure their place at this significant gathering.
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"Humanoids Summit Tokyo Opens with Keynote by Professor Ishiguro on 'Cybernetic Avatar Society in 2050'"
The "Humanoids Summit Tokyo 2026," an international conference focused on humanoid robots and physical AI, commenced on May 28 in Tokyo. This event marks the first time the summit, which originated in Silicon Valley, is being held in Asia. The conference is organized by ALM Ventures, a U.S.-based venture capital firm, with support from the AI Robot Association (AIRoA) in Japan. The summit aims to foster collaboration and innovation in the rapidly evolving field of robotics and artificial intelligence.
Slamcore secures $14 million funding from investors including Rockwell Automation
Slamcore, a company specializing in spatial intelligence software, has successfully secured $14 million in a recent funding round, attracting notable investors such as ROKStar Ventures, a subsidiary of Rockwell Automation, a leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. This latest investment elevates Slamcore's total funding to $40 million, with previous support from prominent backers including Toyota Ventures and Interwoven Ventures. The funding aims to enhance Slamcore's development of innovative technologies that improve spatial awareness and automation capabilities across various industries.
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Startup Battlefield 200 applications close today: Nominate a founder or submit your startup
Today marks the final opportunity for startups to apply or be nominated for the Startup Battlefield 200 competition. The deadline is set for 11:59 p.m. PT, after which no further applications will be accepted. This event offers participants a chance to compete for $100,000 in equity-free funding, enhance their global visibility, and establish direct connections with potential investors. The competition culminates in a launch on the prestigious TechCrunch Disrupt stage, providing a significant platform for emerging companies to showcase their innovations. Startups interested in seizing this opportunity must act quickly to ensure their participation before the deadline closes.
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TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Early Bird ticket savings end in 3 days
Tech enthusiasts and industry professionals have just three days left to take advantage of early bird pricing for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, with the deadline set for May 29 at 11:59 p.m. PT. This annual event, recognized as one of the most significant gatherings in the technology sector, offers attendees the opportunity to engage with leading innovators and thought leaders. After the early bird period concludes, ticket prices will increase, prompting potential attendees to secure their passes promptly to avoid higher costs. The event promises to be a pivotal occasion for networking and exploring the latest trends in technology.
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TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Early Bird ticket rates end May 29
TechCrunch is offering a limited-time opportunity for attendees to save up to $410 on passes for its Disrupt 2026 event, set to take place in San Francisco. Interested participants are encouraged to register before the price increase deadline of May 29 at 11:59 p.m. PT. This event is positioned as a key gathering point for technology enthusiasts and industry leaders, aiming to foster innovation and networking within the tech community. By taking advantage of this early registration discount, attendees can secure their participation at a reduced rate, making it an attractive option for those looking to engage with the latest trends and developments in technology.
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ロボット基盤モデル開発を行うConfigにZVCが投資 10万時間超のデータで学習した「CFG-1」
Z Venture Capital (ZVC) has announced its investment in Config, a company focused on developing Robot Foundation Models. This strategic move aims to support the advancement of robotics technology, reflecting ZVC's commitment to fostering innovation in the tech sector. The investment is expected to enhance Config's capabilities in creating sophisticated robotic systems, which could have significant implications for various industries. This announcement comes as the demand for advanced robotics solutions continues to grow, driven by the need for automation and efficiency in operations.
Axon Is About To Explode Higher
Amrita Roy, an analyst and contributor to The Pragmatic Optimist, has initiated a "buy" rating on Axon Enterprises (AXON) due to its promising risk-reward profile and strong growth potential in its Connected Devices and Software & Services segments. This recommendation comes as Axon undergoes a transformation into a comprehensive public safety platform, driven by its AI Era Plan, which is expected to enhance average revenue per user (ARPU) and boost recurring subscription revenue. Despite recent pressures on margins and free cash flow, Roy believes these challenges are temporary, as the AI Era Plan is anticipated to provide significant operational leverage. Management has raised its revenue guidance for fiscal year 2026, projecting a growth rate of 30-32%, with expectations that Axon will surpass its $6 billion revenue target by fiscal year 2028. Roy's analysis highlights that Axon's stock has declined over 56% since its peak in August of the previous year, prompting her to take a position in the company. Her investment strategy focuses on sustainable, growth-oriented companies that maximize shareholder equity. With a background in high-growth startups and venture capital, Roy aims to democratize financial literacy through her work, including her award-winning newsletter.
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Startup Battlefield 200 applications close in days: Apply before May 27
Startup Battlefield 200 is inviting applications and nominations until May 27, offering participants a unique opportunity to gain access to venture capital, enhance their global visibility, and receive coverage from TechCrunch. The competition also includes a chance to win a prize of $100,000. Entrepreneurs and startups are encouraged to seize this opportunity to showcase their innovations and potentially secure funding and recognition in the tech industry. Interested parties are urged to apply promptly to take advantage of this significant chance for growth and exposure.
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5 days left: Save up to $410 on TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 passes before prices increase
TechCrunch has announced that early bird registration for its Disrupt 2026 event in San Francisco will conclude on May 29 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Attendees can take advantage of significant savings of up to $410 by registering before the deadline. The event promises to gather industry leaders and innovators, providing a platform for networking and showcasing the latest advancements in technology. Interested participants are encouraged to secure their spots promptly to benefit from the reduced rates before prices rise.
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China’s AI start-up funding triples to US$16b in first quarter amid bets on LLMs, robotics
In the first quarter of the year, funding for artificial intelligence start-ups in China experienced a remarkable surge, increasing nearly threefold compared to the same period last year. Investors directed over 110 billion yuan (approximately US$16.2 billion) into these ventures, marking a 185 percent rise. This significant influx of capital is largely attributed to heightened enthusiasm surrounding large language models (LLMs) and embodied AI technologies, reflecting a growing confidence in the country's technology sector. The data, released by a Beijing-based research firm, underscores the accelerating interest and investment in AI as a key driver of innovation in China’s evolving tech landscape.
License to Stream: ‘007 First Light’ Coming to GeForce NOW With an Ultimate Bundle
GeForce NOW has launched an exciting new gaming initiative, introducing a diverse lineup of eight games this week, including a highly anticipated title featuring the iconic James Bond character. The service aims to enhance user experience by offering a blend of spy-themed adventures and high-speed racing, alongside exclusive member rewards. This initiative is part of GeForce NOW's ongoing effort to expand its cloud gaming offerings and provide instant streaming access to a wider audience. Gamers can look forward to diving into these new titles immediately, marking a significant step in the platform's commitment to delivering engaging content.
Under the Ice: New SYOS Underwater Drone Targets Maritime Security and Antarctic Exploration
SYOS, an autonomous systems company based in the UK and New Zealand, has unveiled its latest innovation, the SU10 uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV), aimed at enhancing maritime security and supporting Antarctic exploration. The announcement was made during a recent event, marking a significant expansion of SYOS's portfolio, which previously focused on air and land operations. The introduction of the SU10 allows the company to venture into subsurface missions, addressing the growing demand for advanced technologies in multi-domain operations. This new underwater drone is designed to operate effectively in challenging environments, underscoring SYOS's commitment to developing versatile solutions for both security and exploration purposes.
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Tulip Tech Expands European UAV Battery Production with New Investment
Tulip Tech, a Dutch battery manufacturer, has announced a strategic investment aimed at enhancing the supply chains for drones and increasing their operational endurance. This announcement comes amid a rising demand for non-Chinese drone components and the need for more robust regional supply chains. The investment is backed by Parcom and Keen Venture Partners, reflecting a growing interest in strengthening European production capabilities for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Tulip Tech intends to utilize these funds to expand its battery production, positioning itself to meet the increasing market demands effectively.
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Haryana’s Drone City Project Kicks Off With Indian Drone Company AVPL’s 11.5-Acre Campus
AVPL International is set to inaugurate Phase 1 of its ₹80 crore Drone City project on May 16, 2026, in Village Sisai, Hansi, Haryana. This ambitious initiative, which represents an investment of approximately $8.3 million, aims to establish an integrated hub for drone manufacturing, skills development, and innovation in India. The project has garnered significant incentive support, highlighting the government's commitment to advancing the country's drone industry. The development is expected to bolster local employment and position India as a key player in the global drone market.
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Tracking startup closures across Southeast Asia
Startups in Southeast Asia are facing significant challenges, leading to a notable number of failures across the region. Despite the growing entrepreneurial landscape, a lack of comprehensive data hampers the understanding of these trends. Recent analyses aim to shed light on the macro-level factors contributing to the demise of these businesses. As of October 2023, insights into the startup ecosystem indicate that various economic and operational hurdles are at play, impacting the sustainability of new ventures. This ongoing research seeks to provide a clearer picture of the underlying issues, helping stakeholders navigate the complexities of the startup environment in Southeast Asia.
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Why the world’s most successful robotics founders are systems thinkers
Ajay Agarwal recently highlighted the significant impact of systems thinking in the field of robotics, emphasizing its potential to drive substantial productivity gains and open up multibillion-dollar markets. This discussion sheds light on the approach taken by some of the most successful founders in the robotics industry, who leverage systems thinking to innovate and optimize their technologies. The insights were shared in a post featured on The Robot Report, illustrating how this mindset can transform the landscape of robotics and contribute to economic growth.
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Former Kepler Robotics CEO Launches New Venture Sota Unlimited, Betting on 'Robot Brain' for Overseas Markets
Hu Debo, the former CEO of Kepler Robotics, has announced the launch of his second startup, Sota Unlimited, which aims to innovate in the field of embodied artificial intelligence. Unlike his previous venture, Sota Unlimited will concentrate on developing advanced 'robot brains' rather than complete robotic systems. This strategic shift reflects a growing trend in the tech industry to enhance cognitive capabilities in robots, potentially leading to more intelligent and adaptable machines. The startup's focus is expected to position it at the forefront of AI research and development, catering to a market increasingly interested in sophisticated AI solutions. The announcement comes as the demand for intelligent automation continues to rise, with businesses seeking to integrate smarter technologies into their operations.
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Khosla Ventures is betting $10M on Ian Crosby, whose last startup, Bench, imploded
Crosby is developing Synthetic, an innovative AI bookkeeping service designed to operate autonomously for startups. This initiative aims to streamline financial management for emerging businesses, allowing them to focus on growth and innovation without the burden of traditional bookkeeping tasks. The service leverages advanced artificial intelligence technologies to provide accurate and efficient financial reporting, ensuring that startups can maintain clear oversight of their finances. With the rise of digital solutions in business operations, Synthetic is positioned to meet the increasing demand for automated services in the startup ecosystem. The project is set to launch in early 2024, with the goal of transforming how new companies manage their financial records.
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Two weeks left: Startup Battlefield 200 applications close May 27
Startups seeking venture capital access and global visibility have until May 27 to apply for an opportunity that includes coverage from TechCrunch and a chance to secure $100,000 in equity-free funding. This initiative aims to support innovative companies by providing them with essential resources and exposure to potential investors. Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to submit their applications promptly to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
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Introducing the 6 stages at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 — built for today’s tougher startup market
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is set to take place from October 13 to 15, showcasing over 200 sessions across six stages. The event will feature more than 250 influential leaders from the technology sector who are currently shaping the industry. Attendees can register now to benefit from savings of up to $410, along with a 50% discount on a second pass. This annual conference aims to bring together innovators and thought leaders to discuss the latest trends and advancements in technology, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities for participants.
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Perceptron Mk1 shocks with highly performant video analysis AI model 80-90% cheaper than Anthropic, OpenAI & Google
Perceptron Inc., a Bellevue-based startup founded by former Meta researchers Armen Aghajanyan and Akshat Shrivastava, has launched its flagship video analysis model, Mk1, aimed at revolutionizing how enterprises utilize AI in real-time video processing. Announced today, this innovative model is priced significantly lower than competitors, at $0.15 per million input tokens and $1.50 per million output tokens, making it accessible for large-scale industrial applications. The Mk1 model, developed over 16 months, excels in understanding complex physical interactions and temporal reasoning, outperforming established models like OpenAI's GPT-5 and Google's Gemini 3.1 Pro in various benchmarks. Its unique architecture allows it to process video streams continuously, maintaining object identity and providing precise analysis of dynamic scenes, which is particularly beneficial for sectors such as security, robotics, and marketing. Perceptron aims to position Mk1 as a leader in the "Efficiency Frontier," balancing high performance with cost-effectiveness. The model's capabilities extend to auto-clipping highlights from live sports and enhancing quality control in manufacturing. A public demo site is available for potential users to explore its functionalities. This launch signifies a significant step towards integrating advanced AI into real-world applications, as the company seeks to make "physical AI" as prevalent as its digital counterpart.
Technology
Kevin Hartz’s A* just closed its third fund with $450M
A new investment firm has announced its strategy to support a diverse range of startups, focusing on sectors including artificial intelligence, financial technology, healthcare, and security. The firm plans to allocate between $3 million and $5 million for each investment, with the goal of funding at least 30 emerging companies. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering innovation across multiple industries, leveraging the growing demand for advanced technological solutions and services. The firm aims to identify promising startups that can benefit from its financial backing and strategic guidance.
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Roomba inventor Colin Angle made robots useful. Now he wants to make them lovable.
Colin Angle, the creator of Roomba, has launched a new venture called Familiar Machines, introducing a cuddly, pet-like robot designed to provide companionship and emotional support through artificial intelligence. This innovative robot aims to address the growing demand for emotional wellness solutions, particularly in a world where many seek connection and comfort. The product debuted recently, showcasing its ability to interact with users in a friendly manner, mimicking the affection and companionship typically associated with pets. Familiar Machines emphasizes the importance of emotional support in daily life, leveraging advanced AI technology to create a more engaging and responsive experience for users.
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Roomba Pioneer Colin Angle Unveils New Venture, Familiar Machines & Magic, Introducing a New Platform for Consumer Physical AI
After successfully establishing iRobot as a leading player in the multi-billion-dollar consumer robotics industry, founder Colin Angle has announced the launch of a new company focused on developing emotionally intelligent robots. This innovative venture aims to create robots that foster trust, enhance interaction, and promote long-term connections with users. Angle's decision to embark on this new project reflects his commitment to advancing the field of robotics and addressing the growing demand for machines that can engage more meaningfully with people. The initiative is set to reshape the landscape of consumer robotics by prioritizing emotional intelligence in design and functionality.
Korea’s biggest manufacturers back Config, the TSMC of robot data
Samsung, Hyundai, and LG have made significant investments in a promising startup aiming to establish itself as the foundational data infrastructure for the robotics industry. This strategic move, announced recently, highlights the growing interest of major South Korean conglomerates in the robotics sector, which is poised for rapid expansion. The investments are part of a broader trend where established companies seek to leverage innovative technologies to enhance their competitiveness and drive future growth. By supporting this startup, the three tech giants aim to capitalize on the increasing demand for advanced robotics solutions across various industries. The collaboration is expected to facilitate the development of robust data systems that will support the evolving needs of robotics applications, ultimately positioning these companies at the forefront of the technological revolution.
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Startup Wants to Run AI Inference From Space
The rapid growth of large language models is driving a global surge in energy demand for data centers, prompting operators to seek alternative power sources. Among them is Orbital Inc., a Los Angeles-based startup that recently emerged from stealth mode to announce plans for space-based data centers. Backed by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, Orbital aims to utilize solar energy from a constellation of small satellites in low Earth orbit to power AI inference workloads, such as chatbots. Orbital's founder and CEO, Euwyn Poon, emphasizes the limitations of terrestrial energy sources, stating, “There simply isn’t enough capacity here [on Earth], and the only way is up.” The company envisions a network of up to 10,000 satellites, each equipped with GPU server racks powered by solar panels. The first test of this concept is scheduled for 2027, with a prototype satellite launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. While Orbital's approach aims to reduce launch costs and improve efficiency, it faces significant engineering challenges, including radiation effects on GPUs, thermal management in space, and maintenance difficulties. Experts like Dr. Amit Verma from Texas A&M University caution that the operational feasibility of such systems will depend on the specific applications they support. Despite these hurdles, Orbital plans to finalize its satellite designs by 2026 and establish a manufacturing facility by 2028, with the goal of tapping into major AI firms as customers. Poon remains optimistic about overcoming technical challenges, asserting that their engineering efforts will pave the way for the future of space-based data processing.
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Last 24 hours to get 50% off a second pass to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
TechCrunch is offering a limited-time promotion for its upcoming Disrupt 2026 event, allowing attendees to purchase one pass and receive a second pass at a 50% discount. This offer is designed to encourage collaboration and networking, inviting partners, co-founders, or colleagues to join the event together. Interested individuals are urged to register promptly, as the promotion is set to expire soon.
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Jeff Bezos rep leaves Slate Auto’s board
Melinda Lewison's recent departure from her role has sparked speculation regarding Jeff Bezos' level of support and engagement with the startup. This development comes as the Amazon founder shifts his attention to robotics through his latest venture, Project Prometheus. The timing of Lewison's exit raises concerns about the future direction of the startup and whether Bezos will continue to play an active role in its operations. As he invests his efforts into new technological pursuits, the implications of this transition for the startup's leadership and strategy remain uncertain.
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Lunar Outpost Raises $30M in Series B Funding for Moon Robotics Development
Lunar Outpost, a Colorado-based company specializing in lunar robotics and mobility systems, has successfully raised $30 million in a Series B funding round. The investment was spearheaded by Industrious Ventures, with additional contributions from Type One Ventures, Eniac Ventures, Promus Ventures, and Reliable Equity. This funding will be utilized to enhance the production capabilities of the company's robotic vehicles and infrastructure technologies, positioning Lunar Outpost to play a pivotal role in the future of lunar exploration.
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Exhibit at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Get in front of 10,000 decision-makers before space runs out
TechCrunch is set to host its Disrupt 2026 event, providing startups with a vital platform to enhance visibility, gain traction, and secure real business opportunities. The event will take place on the exhibit floor, where companies can showcase their innovations and connect with potential investors and partners. Startups are encouraged to reserve their 6-foot exhibit tables promptly to avoid losing out to competitors. This opportunity is particularly critical for emerging companies looking to establish their presence in the tech industry and capitalize on networking possibilities. By participating in this high-profile event, startups can significantly boost their chances of success in a competitive market.
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2 days left: Get 50% off a second pass to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is offering a limited-time promotion for attendees, allowing them to save up to $410 on their passes and purchase a second pass at a 50% discount. This special offer is available until May 8 at 11:59 p.m. PT, encouraging potential participants to register promptly. The event promises to be a significant gathering for innovators and entrepreneurs, making this a valuable opportunity for those interested in the latest trends and networking within the tech industry.
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