Robots designed to assist with daily tasks like closing blinds, helping with eating, or scratching an itch are being developed to support people with severe mobility impairments, giving them more independence. Hello Robot, a company focused on creating practical robotic solutions, has developed its home-assistance robot, Stretch, to perform these kinds of tasks. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, Hello Robot CEO and co-founder Aaron Edsinger will present Stretch 4 during a session titled "Come, Meet Stretch. The Robot Built for Real Life, Not a Demo Reel." The live demonstration will highlight how physical AI can be used in real-world situations, emphasizing practicality, safety, and accessibility in robot design. Stretch 4, launched in May, sold out its first production run by June. While much of the robotics industry is focused on humanoid robots, Hello Robot has taken a different path by designing a compact, wheeled robot with a telescoping arm. This design allows the robot to move through human environments and perform useful tasks without the need for legs. Instead of walking, Stretch 4 rolls, and it uses a single telescoping arm to reach and manipulate objects. Its compact size and advanced sensors make it suitable for use in spaces designed for people, ensuring it can operate safely around them. People with severe mobility impairments have already begun using Stretch technology to perform essential tasks such as feeding themselves, closing blinds, and scratching an itch. One user with quadriplegia has used Stretch to drink a protein shake, handle his glasses, and brush his teeth. These real-life applications represent meaningful progress in the field of assistive robotics, moving beyond simple demonstrations to tangible, everyday use. Aaron Edsinger, with a career dedicated to building robots that work alongside people, brings experience from previous robotics companies like Meka Robotics and Redwood Robotics, both acquired by Google in 2013. At Hello Robot, the focus is not on creating the most human-like robot, but one that users can actually rely on in their daily lives. Stretch 4 represents the company’s latest step in this direction, developed over six years of customer feedback and featuring an open-source software platform for researchers and developers. TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will take place from October 13 to 15 at Moscone West in San Francisco, featuring over 10,000 attendees, 200 sessions, and 250+ speakers. Registration for the event is available with up to $200 in ticket savings before prices increase on September 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT.