Navigating the Consumer Electronics Show: The Story of How Bucket Robotics Thrived

The Journey of Bucket Robotics at CES 2026

As the weather in Las Vegas took a turn for the worse, the team at YC-backed Bucket Robotics faced a dilemma. Initially planning to transport their booth components in their luggage to the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show, CEO Matt Puchalski decided to rent a Hyundai Santa Fe to ensure their gear arrived on time.

Despite a challenging 12-hour drive through the rain, the team and their equipment made it safely to Las Vegas, marking the beginning of their debut at CES.

Although Bucket Robotics was just one of many exhibitors at the tech conference, Puchalski found the experience invaluable. His background in autonomous vehicles at companies like Uber and Argo AI gave him a solid foundation in the automotive industry, leading to fruitful connections at the event.

Puchalski’s dedication to networking and pitching was evident throughout the event. From late-night discussions with industry veterans to early morning preparations with his team, he left no stone unturned in showcasing Bucket Robotics’ vision.

Founded as part of YC’s Spring 2024 batch, Bucket Robotics focuses on using advanced vision systems for quality inspections, particularly on surfaces. By automating tasks traditionally performed by manual labor, the company aims to drive onshoring efforts in manufacturing.

One of their key innovations lies in generating simulated defects from CAD files, allowing their vision software to swiftly identify issues on the production line. This approach streamlines the inspection process without requiring extensive manual intervention.

With a strong foothold in the automotive and defense sectors, Bucket Robotics is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for dual-use technologies.

During CES, Puchalski engaged in meaningful discussions with industry experts, paving the way for potential collaborations and investments post-event. The positive reception reaffirmed the company’s potential in the market.

Looking ahead, Bucket Robotics faces the challenges of scaling, fundraising, and securing commercial partnerships. However, Puchalski remains optimistic about the future, viewing automation as a natural progression in the manufacturing landscape.

As the industry continues its quest for efficiency and quality, Bucket Robotics stands at the forefront of innovation, poised to revolutionize surface inspection practices.