Building Physical AI: The Journey from Idea to Investment
Panel & Networking Reception
Hosted by Toyota Ventures and Toyota Research Institute
Join us for an evening of networking and discussion with leaders from Toyota Ventures, Toyota Research Institute, and physical AI startup Pickle Robot as we explore the multiple paths startups and researchers are taking to build physical AI technologies for today’s toughest problems.
Transforming groundbreaking science into market-ready solutions takes grit, financial support, a clear vision–and more. This session will peel back the curtain on that journey:
Learn about Toyota Ventures’ investment thesis for the robotics and AI sector, and the key technical and commercial milestones needed for an investment.
Gain insight into the collaborative opportunities offered by Toyota Research Institute’s University Research Partnership Program.
Discover how Pickle Robot is pioneering autonomous unloading solutions for the logistics industry, from the initial idea and proof-of-concept, to securing investment from Toyota Ventures, and scaling their unique physical AI technology in a hyper-competitive market.
Speakers:
David Sokolic: Toyota Ventures, Frontier Fund partner
Dr. Kate Tsui: Toyota Research Institute, University Research Partnership Program Director
AJ Meyer: Pickle Robot, Co-founder and CEO
This session is designed for startup founders, investors, and researchers interested in the commercialization challenges and triumphs of bringing physical AI out of the lab and into the real world.
Registration approval is required for each guest. Substitutions / +1s are not allowed. Building security requires a government-issued photo ID to enter.
This event is part of Tough Tech Week.