Live demo fails, AI safety gains traction, and robotics enters a golden era — Equity dives into Meta’s AR ambitions, Altman’s $275M fundraise, Waymo-Lyft robotaxis, California’s AI laws, and the future of intelligent machines.

This week on Equity, Anthony Ha, Kirsten Korosec, and Max Zeff dive into the most pivotal developments shaping the future of technology, from AI and robotics to regulation and innovation. The episode explores how Meta’s latest push into augmented reality and AI is unfolding, despite a stumble during a live demo. At Meta Connect, the company unveiled its vision for AR glasses and neural wristband control, aiming to enable seamless, mind-controlled interactions with digital environments. However, the live demonstration didn’t go as planned, highlighting the challenges still ahead in bringing such futuristic interfaces to market. The conversation also turns to Jack Altman, who recently raised $275 million for his new venture fund in record time. With his brother, Sam Altman, at the helm of OpenAI, Jack’s rapid rise signals a growing influence of the Altman brothers in Silicon Valley’s tech ecosystem. Their expanding footprint is reshaping how AI startups are funded and supported. On the ground, Waymo and Lyft have announced a new partnership to launch robotaxi services in Nashville, marking a key step toward scaling autonomous vehicles beyond test zones. The move underscores the ongoing race to achieve profitability in the self-driving space, with companies now focusing not just on technology but on real-world deployment and user adoption. California has also made headlines with the passage of new AI safety legislation, one of the most comprehensive efforts yet to regulate the development and deployment of artificial intelligence. The law introduces requirements for transparency, risk assessments, and safety testing—especially for high-risk AI systems. Experts say it could set a precedent for other states and even federal policy, putting pressure on Big Tech to prioritize safety over speed. Looking ahead, the panel discusses why many investors now believe we’re entering a “golden age of robotics.” Advances in AI, sensor technology, and automation are driving rapid innovation across industries—from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and agriculture. With companies like Boston Dynamics, Agility Robotics, and startups in the warehouse automation space gaining momentum, the convergence of AI and physical machines is unlocking new levels of efficiency and capability. The team also reflects on the broader implications: as AI becomes more embedded in daily life, the line between digital and physical worlds continues to blur. While challenges remain—especially around regulation, ethics, and public trust—the momentum in robotics and AI suggests a transformative era is well underway. Equity will return next week with another deep dive into the tech stories that matter. For more, subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, or wherever you get your shows. Follow the team on X and Threads at @EquityPod for updates and behind-the-scenes insights.