The Exciting Debut of Bucket Robotics at CES 2026

Las Vegas weather was not cooperating, putting a wrench in the plans for YC-backed Bucket Robotics to showcase their innovative technology at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show. CEO and founder Matt Puchalski decided to take matters into his own hands, renting a Hyundai Santa Fe and packing it with all the necessary gear to ensure a successful debut at the event.

After a grueling 12-hour drive in the rain, Puchalski and the equipment arrived safely in Las Vegas, marking the beginning of Bucket Robotics’ first CES appearance.

Despite being just one of the many companies exhibiting at the tech conference, Bucket Robotics made a mark with their modest setup in the automotive-focused West Hall. Puchalski attributed their success at the event to their tireless work ethic, keen observation skills, and a readiness to pitch their product at a moment’s notice.

With a background in autonomous vehicles from top companies like Uber, Argo AI, and Ford’s subsidiary Latitude AI, Puchalski leveraged his industry connections to make a splash at CES. Networking with industry veterans and engaging in deep technical discussions, Bucket Robotics garnered interest from potential customers and investors alike.

Bucket Robotics, part of YC’s Spring 2024 batch, specializes in using advanced vision systems for quality inspections, particularly on surfaces. By automating tasks traditionally done by manual labor, the company aims to streamline manufacturing processes and accelerate the trend of onshoring production.

One of their key offerings is the ability to detect surface defects quickly and accurately using CAD files and simulated defects. This approach eliminates the need for manual labeling and can seamlessly integrate into existing production lines without additional hardware.

During CES, Puchalski and his team fielded inquiries from a diverse range of industries, showcasing the broad applicability of their technology. The interest generated at the event has set the stage for Bucket Robotics to scale up, secure funding, and establish commercial partnerships.

Looking ahead, Puchalski remains optimistic about the future of automation in manufacturing. He sees Bucket Robotics not as a threat to manual labor but as a long-awaited solution to a problem that the industry has been grappling with for decades.

As Bucket Robotics embarks on the next phase of their journey post-CES, Puchalski is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. With a dedicated team and a groundbreaking technology, the company is poised to make a significant impact on the manufacturing landscape.