Since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022, the landscape of artificial intelligence has shifted dramatically, transitioning from mere speculation to a tangible part of everyday life.
In contrast to AI, robotics has been in development for a considerable time but has yet to achieve a transformative breakthrough. Les Karpas, Nvidia Inception’s Global Head of Physical AI, is set to address this issue at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. He will explore the barriers hindering robotics in his presentation titled Robots Are Waiting for Their ChatGPT Moment: Identifying the Roadblocks, occurring on the Real World AI Stage.
Nvidia’s enthusiasm for robotics has been evident in CEO Jensen Huang’s keynotes over recent years. At Disrupt from October 13-15 at San Francisco’s Moscone West, attendees can catch Karpas alongside an exceptional roster of industry leaders, founders, and investors. The lineup will cover topics from entrepreneurship to real-world applications of AI.
Now is the ideal time to secure your ticket to save up to $200 before September 25, after which ticket prices will rise. Discounts of up to 30% are available for group bookings, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the Disrupt experience.
The pressing challenge in robotics
Karpas presents a straightforward perspective on a fundamental limitation in general-purpose robotics, which is both easily grasped and immensely complex to tackle. Unlike AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic that benefit from extensive language datasets, no equivalent exists for physical AI. Even the self-driving vehicles from Waymo and similar enterprises have developed their datasets through years of data collection on the road, evolving market by market.
A myriad of startups is now striving to artificially create this scale by employing simulation, synthetic data, and foundational models that are trained across various robot types. The challenge of integrating digital and physical realms is the reason the Real World AI Stage was established. Karpas will engage alongside founders from Shield AI, Colossal Biosciences, FieldAI, and Foxglove, sharing insights into the distinct challenges and possibilities they encounter.
Nvidia’s distinct insights at Disrupt
Karpas is exceptionally qualified to delve into the subject posed by his session. As the Global Head of Physical AI at Nvidia Inception, he oversees the company’s interactions with a diverse startup ecosystem focused on robotics, automotive, manufacturing, smart cities, and more. The organizations aiming to bridge the data gap are the same ones he regularly collaborates with.
His career trajectory exemplifies the multifaceted skill set required in the robotics industry, having held positions at Stanley Black & Decker, Intellectual Ventures, Herman Miller, iRobot, Cirque du Soleil, and others. Karpas’s roles have spanned from architect and manufacturing engineer to startup CEO and corporate venture capitalist.
Achieve your own breakthroughs at Disrupt
This event presents an unparalleled opportunity to learn about Nvidia’s perspective on overcoming the most significant hurdles in physical AI, positioning you ahead of competitors or inspiring your next entrepreneurial endeavor. Such inspiration is at the heart of the Disrupt experience, available only to those attending and networking during the event.
Move quickly to secure the type of ticket that grants you vital access, whether to new funding sources or promising startups to support. Ensure your registration before prices rise on September 25 and remember that group bookings can yield savings of up to 30% on bundle passes.
