Bot News Today — September 23, 2026

As AI and robotics continue to advance, companies are exploring new applications and strategies for deployment. Autonomous vehicle leader Waymo is targeting a new demographic with its latest expansion, while AI developer Anthropic has released a new version of its large language model, llm-anthropic 0.29. Meanwhile, Toyota is investing in humanoid robot training, emphasizing that the goal is to augment human capabilities, not replace them. This blend of AI and robotics is also evident in AstroForge's decision to put AI in command of its next spacecraft, demonstrating the growing confidence in AI's ability to operate complex systems.

These developments are part of a larger trend of AI and robotics being integrated into various industries, from transportation and energy to manufacturing and space exploration. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, robotics innovators like Aaron Edsinger will showcase cutting-edge humanoid robots, such as Hello Robot's Stretch 4. As the field continues to evolve, investors like Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy are betting on startups that will drive innovation in areas like energy, where AI and robotics can play a critical role in shaping a more sustainable future. Today's stories highlight the diverse and rapidly expanding applications of AI and robotics, and we dive deeper into each of these developments throughout this edition of BotNews.

Today's signal:
• Waymo’s latest expansion strategy: teenagers (techcrunch.com)
• llm-anthropic 0.29 (simonwillison.net)
• Toyota orders workers to train humanoid robots but says humans won't be replaced (arstechnica.com)
• AstroForge is putting AI in command of its next spacecraft (techcrunch.com)
• TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Aaron Edsinger brings Hello Robot’s Stretch 4 to life onstage (techcrunch.com)
• Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy bets these 21 startups will shape energy’s future (techcrunch.com)