TechCrunch is heading to Tokyo — and bringing the Startup Battlefield with it

Editor's take

A major tech conference in Tokyo, SusHi Tech 2026, is dedicating significant focus to AI and robotics, signaling a global emphasis on these converging fields.

This focus highlights the increasing integration of AI into robotics, moving beyond specialized industrial applications towards more general-purpose humanoid robots and the complex software driving autonomous systems. The event's inclusion of cybersecurity and climate resilience alongside these technologies suggests a broader societal impact being considered, affecting industries from manufacturing and logistics to transportation and public safety.

Future attention should be paid to the specific startup innovations showcased in the Startup Battlefield, particularly those addressing real-world challenges in autonomous driving or AI-powered robotics beyond novelty demonstrations. The commercial viability and scalability of these emerging solutions will be critical indicators of progress.