Don't just hear about the future of innovation. Experience it.
Hosted at Karma Automotive Executive & Design Headquarters in Irvine, the Greater Irvine Chamber's Innovator's Journey on Thursday, Sept. 10, will feature a live autonomous robotics demonstration from Field AI, giving attendees a rare, firsthand opportunity to experience next-generation artificial intelligence as it moves beyond research labs and into real-world applications.
Unlike traditional robots that rely on preprogrammed routes or controlled environments, the quadruped robot will perceive its surroundings as it navigates among attendees and even climbs onto the stage, identifying obstacles, selecting the safest path, and continuously adapting its movements in real time—all without GPS, prior maps, predefined routes, or environmental modifications.
The live demonstration showcases the breakthrough intelligence powering autonomous robots capable of operating safely and reliably in dynamic, unpredictable environments. The same technology is helping advance applications across construction, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, defense, and security—illustrating how AI is creating new opportunities across industries.
Building on the demonstration, attendees will gain additional insight during an on-stage Executive Conversation between Dave Coffaro, President & CEO of the Greater Irvine Chamber, and a senior executive from Field AI, exploring how breakthrough technologies move from research and development to commercially viable solutions that improve business operations and redefine what's possible through autonomous artificial intelligence.
Exploring the complete innovation continuum—from breakthrough discovery to commercialization and real-world impact—the program also features keynote speaker Errol Arkilic, Chief Innovation Officer at UC Irvine and Executive Director of UCI Beall Applied Innovation, who will discuss the complete innovation lifecycle and why market risk often outweighs technology risk when bringing new ideas to market.
Marcus McCammon, President of Karma Automotive, will deliver a signature executive address on how leadership, vision, and strategic execution continue to drive innovation within one of Southern California's most forward-thinking automotive companies.
Coffaro will moderate an executive panel featuring Janelle Brunette, Chief Operating Officer of Octane and incoming Chief Executive Officer, Octane; Ryan Honary, Founder and CEO of SensoRyAI; Thomas Katavic, Head of Digital at Hoag; and Sarah Liang, Partner, Global Responsible AI Leader, and Americas Digital Risk Emerging Technology Solutions Leader at EY. Together, they will discuss how leaders across the innovation ecosystem are transforming breakthrough ideas into real-world impact through entrepreneurship, responsible AI, digital transformation, healthcare innovation, and emerging technologies that are reshaping industries and creating competitive advantage.
Innovator's Journey, presented by Hoag, will be held Thursday, Sept. 10, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., at Karma Automotive Executive & Design Headquarters, 9950 Jeronimo Rd., Irvine.
Registration includes an executive networking reception, a chef-curated plated lunch, and complimentary parking.
Regular Admission: $260 Members | $305 Non-Members
At-the-Door Registration: $265 Members | $330 Non-Members
Advance registration is recommended.
To register or learn more about sponsorship and expo table opportunities, contact events@irvinechamber.com.
