How YC-backed Bucket Robotics survived its first CES

The skies over Las Vegas posed a challenge for Bucket Robotics, a startup backed by Y Combinator. With plans for each team member to transport booth materials in their luggage to the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), CEO Matt Puchalski opted for a more reliable solution. To ensure their equipment arrived on time, he rented a Hyundai Santa Fe, humorously recalling the cramped conditions during their 12-hour drive through rain. Arriving safely in Las Vegas marked a significant milestone for the San Francisco-based company, which was among thousands showcasing their innovations at CES. Despite a modest presence in the automotive-centric West Hall, Puchalski expressed that the experience was invaluable. His tireless dedication and keen observation skills allowed him to network effectively, drawing on his extensive background in autonomous vehicles from notable companies like Uber and Ford’s Latitude AI. Throughout the week, Puchalski engaged with industry leaders, including discussions with fellow entrepreneurs about balancing manufacturing quality and efficiency. During a breakfast meeting, he shared insights about Bucket Robotics' mission to automate quality inspections, particularly for surface defects, a task often relegated to manual laborers in Wisconsin. Bucket Robotics, part of YC's Spring 2024 cohort, focuses on leveraging advanced vision systems to tackle quality control issues. Puchalski explained how their technology could automate inspections of everyday components, like car door handles, ensuring they meet high standards for structural integrity and aesthetics. The company addresses the challenge of automating such inspections by utilizing CAD files to simulate various defects, enabling their vision software to rapidly identify issues on production lines. This innovative approach eliminates the need for manual data labeling and allows for quick deployment and adaptability to changes in products or manufacturing processes. One of the key advantages of Bucket Robotics is its ability to integrate seamlessly into existing production lines without requiring additional hardware. This capability has already garnered interest from customers in both the automotive sector and defense, positioning the startup as a dual-use enterprise. During the opening hours of CES, Puchalski reported a whirlwind of activity as attendees engaged with his team, intrigued by their technology. The steady interest throughout the event led to meaningful discussions with professionals across manufacturing, robotics, and automation sectors. In the days following CES, Puchalski remained busy connecting with potential customers and investors. While the path ahead involves significant challenges in business development, fundraising, and securing commercial partnerships, Puchalski reassured that their technology is not intended to replace human workers who currently perform quality inspections. Instead, he sees it as a complementary advancement to a longstanding industry goal of improving surface quality inspection processes. "When we approach our clients, the excitement is palpable," he noted, reflecting on the promising future of Bucket Robotics.