Articles tagged with "technology"
Astro Teller, “Captain of Moonshots,” joins TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 this October
Astro Teller, known as the "Captain of Moonshots," will be a featured speaker at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place from October 27 to 29 at Moscone West in San Francisco. As the head of Alphabet’s X (the Moonshot Factory), Teller has led the organization for over a decade, overseeing groundbreaking projects such as Waymo (self-driving cars) and Wing (delivery drones). His leadership focuses on tackling ambitious, high-impact technological challenges, making him a prominent figure in innovation. Beyond his role at X, Teller is also a novelist, entrepreneur, investor, and academic, holding degrees from Stanford and Carnegie Mellon. His diverse background provides a unique perspective on the future of technology and innovation. With AI rapidly advancing and reshaping possibilities, his insights on thinking bigger, embracing failure, and building impactful solutions are particularly relevant. Attendees of Disrupt 2025 will have the opportunity to learn directly from Teller’s experience and vision, making the event a must
robotautonomous-vehiclesdronesinnovationAItechnologymoonshot-projectsThe 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 is here — see who made the cut
TechCrunch has announced the 2025 Startup Battlefield 200, a curated list of the 200 most promising early-stage startups worldwide selected from thousands of applications. These startups, spanning diverse sectors such as AI, climate, health, fintech, robotics, and consumer tech, will showcase their innovations at Disrupt 2025, held October 27–29 at San Francisco’s Moscone West. The event, sponsored by Google Cloud, offers a unique platform where startups can demo new technologies, pitch to leading global venture capitalists, and compete for a $100,000 equity-free prize and the prestigious Disrupt Cup. The Startup Battlefield has a strong track record of launching category-defining companies like Dropbox, Cloudflare, and Discord, with alumni collectively raising over $32 billion and achieving 250 exits. The top 20 finalists from the Battlefield 200 will be revealed live on the first day of Disrupt. Founders whose startups made the list will receive follow-up communications with next steps, while
robotenergyclean-techstartupsinnovationtechnologytech-startupsMeet the first batch of VCs set to judge Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place October 27–29 in San Francisco, will feature the top 20 startups selected from thousands of applicants competing for a $100,000 equity-free prize and significant industry exposure. This competition has a strong legacy of launching successful companies like Dropbox, Mint, Vurb, and Cloudflare. The event promises intense pitching sessions judged by leading venture capitalists who will rigorously evaluate each startup’s potential through candid Q&A, providing insights into what excites or concerns top investors. The first group of judges announced includes five prominent VCs: Philip Clark of Thrive Capital, known for investments in AI and robotics companies; Madison Faulkner of NEA, specializing in data, AI, and developer tools; Leslie Feinzaig, founder of Graham & Walker VC, focused on disruptive founders and public market innovation; and Ilya Kirnos, co-founder and CTO of SignalFire, who leverages AI-driven data platforms to identify promising
robotAIroboticsstartupventure-capitaltechnologyinnovationU.S. government is reportedly in discussions to take stake in Intel
The U.S. government, under the Trump administration, is reportedly in talks to acquire a stake in semiconductor company Intel. This potential investment aims to support Intel’s expansion of its manufacturing capabilities within the United States. The discussions follow concerns raised by Republican Senator Tom Cotton regarding Intel board member Tan’s alleged connections to China, which prompted scrutiny from the administration. These developments come shortly after President Trump took unspecified actions related to Intel, possibly influenced by perceived conflicts of interest. A meeting between Intel and government officials intended to address these concerns reportedly led to the idea of the government taking a direct ownership position in the company. Further details from Intel have not been disclosed, and the situation remains evolving.
materialssemiconductormanufacturingIntelU.S.-governmenttechnologychip-industryThe wait is almost over: The 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 list drops August 27
TechCrunch is set to announce the 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 list on August 27 at 9:00 a.m. PT, featuring the most promising early-stage startups selected from thousands of global applications. These startups will compete at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place October 27–29 in San Francisco, marking the event’s 20th anniversary. The Startup Battlefield has historically launched major tech companies such as Dropbox, Cloudflare, Fitbit, and Discord, and continues to spotlight the next generation of innovative startups. Last year’s winner, Salva Health, gained recognition for its portable breast cancer detection device aimed at underserved rural populations. Other notable startups included geCKo Materials, which is innovating adhesive technology to disrupt the Velcro industry. The top 20 finalists from the 2025 cohort will be revealed on the first day of Disrupt, competing live for a $100,000 prize and the Disrupt Cup. The competition is sponsored by Google Cloud and led
materialsadhesivesstartupinnovationtechnologybreakthroughresearchTesla hands $29B comp package to Elon Musk amid ‘AI talent war’
Tesla’s board has approved a new $29 billion stock-based compensation package for CEO Elon Musk, citing the intensifying competition for AI talent and Tesla’s pivotal position in the industry. The package grants Musk 96 million shares that vest over two years, contingent on his continuous senior leadership role and a five-year holding period. Unlike his previous 2018 compensation plan, this new award is not tied to stock price performance goals. The shares come with a $23.34 purchase price per share, valuing the award at approximately $26.7 billion at current market prices. This new compensation plan is structured through Tesla’s 2019 Equity Incentive Plan, which shareholders have already approved, so it will not require a new shareholder vote. However, the package could be voided if the Delaware Supreme Court overturns a judge’s earlier ruling that struck down Musk’s 2018 pay package due to conflicts of interest and flawed negotiation processes. That 2018 plan, worth about $56 billion,
robotAITeslaCEO-compensationtechnologyartificial-intelligenceroboticsARMstrong Dex Shows Off Its Throwing Arm
The article titled "ARMstrong Dex Shows Off Its Throwing Arm" highlights the complexity involved in accurately throwing an object, a task often underestimated. It showcases the ARMstrong Dex, a robotic system that demonstrates advanced technological capabilities through its precise and well-aimed throw. The key takeaway is the ARMstrong Dex's ability to perform a task requiring fine motor skills and coordination, emphasizing the sophistication of modern robotics in mimicking human actions. The article underscores the technological progress in robotics, particularly in achieving accuracy and control in dynamic movements like throwing.
robotroboticsrobotic-armautomationARMstrong-Dextechnologythrowing-mechanismReader Responses to Critique of Tesla Market Cap - CleanTechnica
The article critiques Tesla's market capitalization, arguing it is excessively inflated and disconnected from the company's recent performance. Despite Tesla's historically strong market position and rapid growth, the author notes that sales have been declining for the past year and a half, contradicting CEO Elon Musk's predictions and undermining the narrative of Tesla as a hypergrowth company. The inflated market cap is attributed to investor greed—hoping for a resurgence in stock value—and fantasy-driven expectations around futuristic products like humanoid robots and robotaxis. The author emphasizes that recent financial results do not support the high valuation. Reader responses to the critique highlight deeper psychological and cultural factors behind Tesla's valuation. One commenter suggests that many investors have developed a fixed belief in Tesla as a technological and environmental savior, despite evidence to the contrary, and that this belief has become a kind of personal "truth" that is defended even when challenged. This mindset makes it difficult for investors to reassess Tesla's actual performance and competitive position. Another response points out
robotTeslahumanoid-robotsrobotaxistechnologymarket-capelectric-vehiclesNvidia reportedly plans to release new AI chip designed for China
Nvidia is reportedly planning to release a new AI chip tailored specifically for the Chinese market, aiming to navigate around U.S. export restrictions on advanced semiconductor technology. The chip, expected as early as September, will be based on Nvidia’s Blackwell RTX Pro 6000 processor but modified to comply with current regulations. Notably, these China-specific chips will exclude high-bandwidth memory and NVLink, Nvidia’s proprietary high-speed communication interface, which are key features in its more advanced AI chips. This move reflects Nvidia’s determination to maintain its presence and sales in China despite tightening export controls. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently indicated a potential impact on the company’s revenue and profit forecasts due to these restrictions, though this new product launch might mitigate some of those effects. Additional details from Nvidia were not provided at the time of reporting.
materialsAI-chipsemiconductorNvidiatechnologyprocessorhardwareA comprehensive list of 2025 tech layoffs
The tech industry continues to experience significant layoffs in 2025, reflecting ongoing cost-cutting measures amid shifts toward AI and automation. According to an independent layoffs tracker, over 62,000 employees have been laid off across multiple months so far this year, with April seeing the highest number at more than 24,500 job cuts. Major companies affected include Rivian, Bumble, Google, Intel, Playtika, Airtime, Microsoft, Hims & Hers, Amazon, Chegg, Match, and CrowdStrike, among others. These layoffs span various divisions such as manufacturing, software engineering, product management, and marketing, signaling broad impacts across the tech sector. Notable examples include Bumble reducing its workforce by 30% to save $40 million annually and focus on new product development, Google downsizing its smart TV division by 25%, and Microsoft cutting over 6,500 jobs, about 3% of its global staff. Amazon has also reduced its workforce by approximately 27,
robotIoTenergylayoffstechnologyworkforce-reductionautomationAMD acqui-hires the employees behind Untether AI
energyAIsemiconductoracquisitionefficiencyroboticstechnologyHow We Took On Aurora & Solo — And Built a Better, Faster, & Cheaper Solar Proposal Tool - CleanTechnica
energysolarproposal-toolaffordabilityspeedintegrationtechnologyTop 50 robotics innovations special report
roboticsinnovationawardstechnologyautomationrobotics-industryRBR50Cybernetix Ventures raising $100M fund for robotics and physical AI - The Robot Report
roboticsinvestmentautomationartificial-intelligencestartupstechnologyventure-capitalThis Robot Can Use Chopsticks Better Than You!
robotroboticsautomationAItechnologyinnovationdexterityLearn how gearboxes enable next-gen warehouse automation - The Robot Report
robotautomationwarehousegearboxesmotion-controlroboticstechnologyRussia to train school kids with world’s first drone ops textbook
robotdroneeducationunmanned-systemstechnologyroboticsUAV‘World-first’ humanoid robot to master chopsticks, cook dumplings
robothumanoidroboticscookingautomationdexteritytechnologyMusk's Pattern To Overpromise And Underdeliver - CleanTechnica
robotTeslaElon-Muskinnovationelectric-vehiclesself-drivingtechnologyIndy Autonomous Challenge coming to California - The Robot Report
robotautonomous-vehiclesAIroboticsIndy-Autonomous-ChallengetechnologyinnovationRecapping Robotics Summit & Expo 2025
robothumanoidroboticsAIautomationindustrial-robotstechnologyRoboForce introduces Titan mobile manipulator, brings in $5M more in funding - The Robot Report
robotAImobile-manipulatorindustrial-automationroboticsfundingtechnologyTesla's latest self-driving mode overturns car, raises safety concerns
robotself-drivingTeslaautomationsafetytechnologyFSDAstrobotic, WiBotic test lunar wireless charging system - The Robot Report
robotIoTenergywireless-charginglunar-missionsAstrobotictechnologySnake and insect-inspired robots team up to do what humans can't
robotinspectionmicrorobotssoft-roboticsautomationengineeringtechnologyLondon-New York in 45 mins: New hypersonic jet could fly 7x speed of sound
materialsenergyhypersonicaviationhydrogenaerospacetechnologyRobot Talk Episode 122 – Bio-inspired flying robots, with Jane Pauline Ramos Ramirez - Robohub
robotdronesbio-inspiredaerospace-engineeringautonomous-machinesbionicstechnologyRobot Navigates With The 5 Senses
robotnavigationsensory-systemroboticstechnologyartificial-intelligenceHumanoids demonstrate combat moves ahead of world-first robot boxing
robothumanoidcombatboxingdemonstrationroboticstechnologyMbodi AI launches on Y Combinator, developing embodied AI for industrial robots - The Robot Report
robotAIautomationmanufacturingroboticstechnologyinnovationHumanoid robots evolve with 360° wheels, flexible controls from Korea
robothumanoid-robotsroboticsautomationmobilitytechnologyinnovationOrbit 5.0 adds features to Boston Dynamics' Spot quadruped robot - The Robot Report
robotAIautomationinspectionsBoston-DynamicsSpottechnologyFuturistic jet flies 3,600 miles with no windows and 50% less fuel
energyefficiencyaviationfuel-consumptionsustainable-designtechnologyinnovationChina's new fibre-optic gyroscope can withstand temperatures changes
materialsnavigationgyroscopeoptical-fiberstechnologyaerospacedeep-sea-explorationInster — Hyundai’s Ultimate Urban EV
electric-vehicleHyundaiurban-mobilitytechnologyvehicle-to-loadenergy-efficiencyautomotive-innovationHọc sinh 'chơi mà học' với drone
droneUAVeducationtechnologyroboticsinnovationstudent-engagementChiều nay diễn ra Ngày hội Khoa học và Công nghệ Việt Nam
robotinnovationtechnologysciencedigital-transformationVietnamresearchRobot tự hành hai chân nhỏ nhất thế giới
robotroboticsautonomousCarnegie-Mellonmini-robotmobilitytechnologyLoạt hành động 'bất hảo' của robot
robottechnologyautomationsafetyindustrial-robotsroboticsAIRoboBusiness Pitchfire competition opens call for robotics startups
robotroboticsstartupscompetitionAItechnologyinnovationWaymo robotaxis to map Boston
robotWaymorobotaxiautonomous-drivingurban-mobilitytransportationtechnologyHệ thống drone kiểm tra thần tốc đường dây điện
droneinspectionenergyautomationtechnologytransmission-linesefficiencyAI-powered robots help tackle Europe’s growing e-waste problem
robotAIe-wasterecyclingautomationroboticstechnologyNortheastern soft robotic arm wins MassRobotics Form & Function Challenge at Robotics Summit
robotsoft-roboticsrobotic-armrobotics-competitionMassRoboticsinnovationtechnologyNhững robot thay người làm việc tại Trung Quốc
robotautomationtechnologyengineeringroboticsChinaapplicationsEx-Synapse CEO reportedly trying to raise $100M for his new humanoid robotics venture
robothumanoid-roboticsfundraisingstartupautomationlabor-shortagetechnologyEVNGENCO1 bứt phá từ phát triển khoa học đổi mới sáng tạo và chuyển đổi số
energyinnovationtechnologydigital-transformationpower-generationscientific-developmentefficiencyRobot Unitree H1 'tấn công' kỹ sư
robotUnitree-H1AIroboticssafety-protocolshumanoid-robottechnologyRobot Unitree H1 'nổi điên' tấn công kỹ sư
robotUnitree-H1AIroboticssafety-protocolshumanoid-robottechnologyAurora launches commercial self-driving truck service in Texas
robotself-drivingautonomous-vehiclestruckingtransportationtechnologyinnovationYour guide to Day 2 of the 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo
robotroboticsrobotaxiartificial-intelligenceautomationtechnologyexpoToyota & Waymo Outline Strategic Partnership to Advance Autonomous Driving Deployment
robotautonomous-drivingmobilitypartnershiptechnologyinnovationvehicleNuvo, a network for B2B trade, has nabbed $34M from Sequoia and Spark Capital
B2B-tradefundingstartupSequoia-CapitalSpark-Capitale-commercetechnologyWikipedia says it will use AI, but not to replace human volunteers
WikipediaAI-strategyhuman-editorstechnologyvolunteer-communitycontent-creationdigital-toolsSupio, an AI-powered legal analysis platform, lands $60M
AIlegaltechstartup-fundingventure-capitalautomationlegal-analysistechnologyStartups launch products to catch people using AI cheating app Cluely
AIcheatingstartupstechnologyeducationanti-cheatingsoftwareAmazon’s first 27 internet satellites launch to space
Amazonsatellitesspace-launchinternet-connectivityProject-KuipertechnologyaerospaceMeta previews an API for its Llama AI models
MetaLlama-AIAPIartificial-intelligencetechnologymachine-learningsoftware-developmentGoogle Wallet to add support for digital IDs in more states
Google-Walletdigital-IDsmobile-IDsage-verificationREAL-IDtechnologyprivacyFinal 6 days: Save big and bring a plus-one for 50% off to TechCrunch Sessions: AI
TechCrunchAIconferenceticket-salesearly-birdtechnologynetworkingYelp debuts AI voice agents for restaurants and service providers
YelpAI-voice-agentsrestaurantsservice-providerstechnologycustomer-serviceinnovationHere’s how to watch LlamaCon, Meta’s first AI developer event
LlamaConMetaAI-developer-eventopen-AI-modelsMark-ZuckerberglivestreamtechnologyGrouphug is a stealth-mode startup that plans use AI inside WhatsApp groups
GrouphugAIWhatsAppstartuptechnologymessaginginnovationWaymo’s Not-So-Secret Weapon for Rapid Growth
Waymoautonomous-vehiclestechnologytransportationgrowth-strategyclean-technologymarket-shareReddit now supports translation of posts and comments into Hindi
ReddittranslationHindisocial-mediauser-engagementtechnologylanguage-supportHuawei aims to take on Nvidia’s H100 with new AI chip
HuaweiAI-chipNvidiaAscend-910DsemiconductortechnologyChinaGlacier brings in $16M and announces new Recology King deployment
GlacierfundraisingroboticsrecyclingautomationtechnologyRecologyRobot Talk Episode 113 – Soft robotic hands, with Kaspar Althoefer
roboticssoft-roboticsrobotic-handsKaspar-AlthoefertechnologyengineeringRobohubRobot Talk Episode 115 – Robot dogs working in industry, with Benjamin Mottis
robot-dogsroboticsindustry-applicationsautomationtechnologyBenjamin-MottisRobohubRobot Talk Episode 117 – Robots in orbit, with Jeremy Hadall
robotsspaceroboticstechnologyaerospacepodcastJeremy-HadallRobot Talk Episode 118 – Soft robotics and electronic skin, with Miranda Lowther
soft-roboticselectronic-skinroboticstechnologyMiranda-LowtherUniversity-of-BristolRobohub