In the world of industrial automation, artificial intelligence (AI) plays a growing role. At first glance it may not seem very ubiquitous, but that's because the AI technology is largely hidden from view--embedded within a device or software to give it new capabilities. Though we may not yet be using AI as depicted in science fiction movies, it's no longer a rare feature in automation technologies and we are interacting with it at an increasing rate. To understand what I mean, think about the all ways AI is being used in automation today, for example: Advantech's work with Nvidia to bring AI to its cloud and edge computing products, Aveva's incorporation of AI into its Asset Performance Management Suite, Epicor adding AI technology to its ERP software, Festo's combination of AI and pneumatics to aid human/robot interactions, HPE's addition of AI to many of its enterprise computing products, Omron's new controller for predictive maintenance applications, PTC adding AI to its CAD software, Siemens adding a neural processing module to its S7-1500 controller, and the enablement of new capabilities in industrial inspection drones. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it does help illustrate the breadth of AI's application across a variety of technologies used in the discrete manufacturing and processing industries.

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a foundational technology for enterprise software development and startups have begun addressing a variety of issues around using AI to make software and processes much more efficient. To that end, we are delighted to announce that Jocelyn Goldfein, a Managing Director at Zetta Venture Partners will be joining on us a panel to discuss AI in the enterprise. It will take place at the TechCrunch Sessions: Enterprise show on September 5 at the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco. It's not just startups that are involved in AI in the enterprise. Some of the biggest names in enterprise software including Salesforce Einstein, Adobe Sensei and IBM Watson have been addressing the need for AI to help solve the enterprise data glut.

As we get ready for TechCrunch Sessions: Robotics AI on April 18 at UC Berkeley, we can't help but look back at last year's robotics event. With more than 1,000 attendees, thought-provoking panels and cutting-edge demos, 2018's TC Sessions: Robotics was pretty great. We've compiled some highlights of some of our favorite moments from last year to whet your appetite for 2019's current speaker lineup. Check out the highlights below and be sure to grab your Early-Bird ticket for this April's TC Sessions: Robotics AI. Boston Dynamics CEO Marc Raibert announced onstage that the company's 66-pound SpotMini robot will be available for purchase by the normals in 2019. Yes, one day you, too, will be able to have a dog robot perform services for you at the office or home.

What could possibly be more exciting than attending TechCrunch Sessions: Robotics AI on April 18 -- where you'll spend a full day immersed in these world-changing technologies? All you need to do is buy a demo table before they sell out, so don't delay. Oh, and the $1,500 price tag also includes three attendee tickets, so you can bring your tribe. Speakers at our previous events at Berkeley and MIT have included technologists, founders and investors, including the likes of Ayanna Howard (Georgia Tech), Rob Coneybeer (Shasta Ventures), Helen Greiner (CyPhyWorks), Tye Brady (Amazon Robotics), Ken Goldberg (UC Berkeley) and so many others. These are just some of the doers, movers and shakers that can make an early-stage startup founder's dream come true.

At least since Isaac Asimov posited the Three Law of Robotics, many have wondered whether robots would ultimately help or harm humanity. Or maybe do a little of both. Humanity still has time to shape the answer to that question, and we're pleased to announce three speakers who have distinctive, grounded perspectives on how to secure a world made better (not worse) by robots. These speakers join our agenda for TechCrunch Sessions: Robotics, our first one-day event dedicated to discussing the core topics facing the robotics industry. General admission tickets are currently available for purchase though seating is very limited.

TechCrunch Sessions: Robotics is a couple of months away, and the agenda is filling up. Our one-day event in cooperation with MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) takes place on July 17, and today we're thrilled to highlight just some of the excitement taking place on stage, in workshops and in exhibits. Tickets are now available for purchase. Attendance is limited, which is in line with the size of MIT's Kresge Auditorium as well as our plan to make this robotics event more collegial than huge. A quarter of the seats are reserved for students at a 90% discount over regular prices.