YC-Backed Startup ‘Bucket Robotics’ at CES 2026: New Horizons in Automated Quality Inspection

Staff Report: PNN

San Francisco-based startup Bucket Robotics participated for the first time at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in Las Vegas. The company primarily works on using automated vision systems for surface quality inspection and has become a focal point of interest for customers in the automotive and defense sectors.

Matt Puchalski, founder and CEO of the startup, said, “We came with a small but powerful setup. Our goal is to automate work that used to be done manually by the ‘guys in Wisconsin.’”

Typically, items used in daily life, such as car door handles or other surfaces, need to be checked for defects. Bucket Robotics uses CAD files to simulate possible defects, such as burn marks, scuffs, or polish imperfections. This allows the software to automatically verify quality on the production line.

Puchalski further stated, “Our technology can be easily integrated into existing production lines; no additional hardware is required.” The technology has already attracted customers in the automotive and defense sectors and has given the company recognition as a “dual-use” enterprise.

The first two hours at CES were extremely busy, Puchalski said. Visitors came to the startup’s booth, collected logo stickers, and asked detailed questions about the technology. Interest from attendees remained consistent throughout the week. Puchalski mentioned, “We had real technical discussions with people from the manufacturing, robotics, and automation industries.”

Although the startup successfully completed its first exhibition, the main challenges now begin: building a business, scaling operations, attracting investment, and finalizing commercial deals.

Puchalski clarified, “We are not taking anyone’s job. Our goal is solely to automate quality inspection.” He added, “This type of automation has been a challenge in the industry for decades. That’s why it’s extremely exciting for our customers.”

Bucket Robotics’ participation demonstrated that even a small startup can establish itself on an international platform with the right technology and preparation.