Shield AI, Waabi, and GM discuss deploying AI where failure isn’t an option
Shield AI, Waabi, and General Motors will discuss critical questions about deploying AI in high-stakes environments at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 on October 13–15. The panel, titled Building AI Systems When Failure Is Not an Option, will feature Nathan Michael (Shield AI CTO), Raquel Urtasun (Waabi CEO), and Mikell Taylor (GM Director of Robotics Strategy). They will address safety culture,…
Key points
- Shield AI’s Hivemind powers U.S. Air Force drone autonomy program, backed by $1.5B Series G funding
- Waabi’s Waabi Driver targets 25,000+ robotaxis via Uber partnership, with simulator-based validation
- GM’s robotics strategy focuses on human-robot collaboration and trust in industrial settings
Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software powers the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft drone prototype, while Waabi’s Waabi Driver aims for 25,000+ robotaxis via a partnership with Uber. Waabi’s Waabi World simulator is central to its validation process, though Urtasun has noted that autonomous trucks still require further testing. GM’s Taylor emphasizes human-centric design for industrial robots, ensuring usability and trust in real-world settings. The session will compare approaches across sectors, offering insights for founders and engineers navigating deployment challenges.**
The event runs alongside 10,000+ attendees, 250+ speakers, and 300+ startups at Moscone West. Early-bird pricing ends September 25 at 11:59 PM PT, with discounts up to $200 per pass and 50% off secondary passes.
Shield AI, Waabi, and General Motors on building AI when failure is not an option at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
TechCrunch AI · 24 September 2026
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