# Shield AI, Waabi, and GM discuss deploying AI where failure isn’t an option

Digest AI · Robotics & Physical AI · published 2026-09-24T15:00:00Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/shield-ai-waabi-and-gm-discuss-deploying-ai-where-failure-isnt-an-opti

## Summary

**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, testing, regulatory hurdles, and trust-building for autonomous systems in defense, autonomous vehicles, and industrial robotics—where mistakes can have catastrophic consequences.**

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**.

## 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

## Why it matters

High-stakes AI deployment—from drones to autonomous vehicles—requires rigorous testing, regulatory compliance, and user trust. This panel offers real-world lessons for startups and enterprises navigating safety, validation, and adoption in critical applications.

## Sources

1. [Shield AI, Waabi, and General Motors on building AI when failure is not an option at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026](https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/24/shield-ai-waabi-and-general-motors-on-building-ai-when-failure-is-not-an-option-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2026) (TechCrunch AI, 2026-09-24)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Shield AI, Waabi, and GM discuss deploying AI where failure isn’t an option", 24 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/shield-ai-waabi-and-gm-discuss-deploying-ai-where-failure-isnt-an-opti

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