TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is introducing a new Real World AI Stage focused on the intersection of digital and physical AI applications. The stage lineup includes sessions on building fail-safe AI systems for defense and industrial use (Shield AI), de-extinction technology and AI's role in biology (Colossal Biosciences), edge AI deployments where cloud connectivity is unavailable (FieldAI, Medra), and scaling deep tech from prototype to production in robotics and space hardware (Bedrock Robotics, Foxglove). The event runs October 13–15 at Moscone West in San Francisco.
Table of contents
Building AI Systems When Failure Is Not an OptionCan We Engineer Nature’s Comeback?Operating at the Edge: How AI Works When the Cloud Doesn’tFrom Prototype to Production: Can it scale in reality?454 Impressions