Humanoid robots are rapidly transforming industries, driven by advances in AI, robotics, and automation. Companies like Apptronik are leading the charge, developing intelligent robots designed to work alongside humans in logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and more.
Raises $350M funding
Recently, Apptronik closed $350 million in a Series A funding round co-led by B Capital and Capital Factory with participation from Google. This investment marks a pivotal moment for the company, enabling the large-scale deployment of Apollo, Apptronik’s flagship humanoid robot. The funding will accelerate innovation, support manufacturing expansion, and help grow the company’s world-class team to meet the surging demand for AI-powered humanoids.
Growth areas for Apptronik
With this funding, Apptronik aims to:
- Accelerate humanoid development: The company will fast-track Apollo’s advancements while exploring new robot form factors. Future innovations will enhance Apollo’s capabilities for logistics, manufacturing, and, eventually, healthcare and eldercare.
- Advance cutting-edge robotics design: Apptronik’s full-stack approach focuses on human-centered, functional, and cost-effective robots. Its proprietary motor technology simplifies maintenance and lowers production costs.
- Scale to meet demand: Apollo is in high demand across industries, including automotive, electronics manufacturing, logistics, bottling, and consumer goods. The funding will enable mass production to fulfill increasing orders.
Apptronik Apollo: More details
Apptronik’s Apollo is an AI-powered humanoid robot designed to work alongside humans in logistics, manufacturing, and retail. It specialises in material handling, order fulfilment, and inventory management, making it a valuable asset for warehouses, factories, and supply chains. Apollo can lift and transport goods, assist on production lines, and streamline logistics operations, improving efficiency and reducing labor shortages.
What sets Apollo apart is its human-centered design, affordability, and full-stack robotics approach. Unlike traditional industrial robots, it is built for adaptability and ease of use, making it suitable for future applications in healthcare, eldercare, and even consumer services. With its upcoming large-scale deployment, Apollo is poised to play a key role in the future of automation.
Key partnerships
Founded in 2016 at the University of Texas at Austin’s Human-Centred Robotics Lab by Jeff Cardenas and Nick Paine, Apptronik has built 15 robotic systems, including NASA’s Valkyrie. With Apollo set for expanded deployment in 2025, the company is poised to reshape global industries.
Apptronik has experienced three years of significant growth, securing major partnerships that validate its market potential:
- NASA Collaboration (2022): Partnered to advance humanoid robotics technology.
- NVIDIA (2023): Demonstrated dexterous manipulation and explored Apollo’s role in digital twins.
- Google DeepMind Partnership: Combining leading AI models with Apptronik’s robotic platform.
- Mercedes-Benz & GXO Logistics Agreements: Establishing real-world use cases in automotive and supply chain sectors.
Notable competition in the humanoids sector
Apptronik is not alone in the humanoid robotics race. Here are five of its main rivals:
- Figure AI: Backed by OpenAI and Nvidia, Figure AI is developing Figure 01, a humanoid robot designed for industrial tasks. The company is focused on advanced AI integration, aiming for real-world applications in logistics and beyond.
- Tesla Optimus: Tesla’s humanoid robot is engineered to handle repetitive tasks in manufacturing and warehouses. Leveraging Tesla’s AI and battery technology, Optimus aims to improve workplace efficiency and productivity.
- Sanctuary AI: Based in Canada, Sanctuary AI is developing humanoid robots designed to perform a wide range of human tasks. Its Phoenix robot is equipped with advanced dexterous hands and AI for cognitive learning.
- Agility Robotics: The creator of Digit, Agility Robotics focuses on bipedal humanoid robots optimised for warehouse work. Amazon is a major partner, exploring the use of Digit in fulfillment centers.
- Boston Dynamics: Known for Atlas, one of the most advanced humanoids, Boston Dynamics specialises in high-mobility robots. While currently used for research, Atlas showcases cutting-edge robotics capabilities.
Can Apollo drive humanoids revolution?
With this latest funding, Apptronik is well-positioned to accelerate Apollo’s deployment and drive the humanoid robotics revolution. As AI and robotics continue to evolve, humanoid robots will play a crucial role in shaping the future of work, enhancing industries, and supporting human life in unprecedented ways.
“We’re creating the world’s most advanced and capable humanoid robots, designed to work alongside humans in meaningful and transformative ways,” said Jeff Cardenas, CEO and co-founder of Apptronik. “By uniting cutting-edge AI with hardware engineered for meaningful interaction, we’re shaping a future where robots become true partners in driving progress. It’s inspiring to have investors who believe in this vision and are committed to helping us bring it to life.”
Capital Factory Chairman and first outside board director of Apptronik, Gordon Daugherty said, “We continue to be proud investors in Apptronik because we believe they’re not just building robots—they’re setting a new standard in human-centered AI. Apollo’s refreshingly friendly and approachable design perfectly reflects the company’s vision for humanoid robots that benefit businesses, individuals, and humanity. We believe Apptronik is leading the charge in a rapidly growing market.”
“With Apptronik, we see a world in which humanoid robots play a vital role in addressing societal challenges—from assisting with disaster relief and elder care to supporting space exploration and medical advancements. Industry leaders like Mercedes-Benz and GXO Logistics are already seeing the real-world impact of Apptronik’s technology,” said Howard Morgan, Chair and General Partner of B Capital. “We back the most innovative founders, and there’s no exception here. Jeff and the team are redefining robotics while reshaping our world for the better.” Capital. “We back the most innovative founders, and there’s no exception here. Jeff and the team are redefining robotics while reshaping our world for the better.”
