Apptronik’s humanoid robot, Apollo, is a testament to nearly a decade of dedicated development. This journey builds on the company’s experience with 15 other robots, including NASA’s Valkyrie. Recently, Apptronik announced a substantial $53 million boost in its Series A funding round, bringing the total to a remarkable $403 million. This isn’t just about the numbers; it’s a clear sign of the market’s appetite and investor confidence in Apptronik’s cutting-edge design and technology.
So, what’s next for Apollo? The fresh funds will accelerate its production and deployment across various industries like automotive, electronics manufacturing, logistics, and consumer goods. Apptronik is already working with big names like Mercedes-Benz and GXO Logistics to test Apollo in real-world settings. As Jeff Cardenas, co-founder and CEO of Apptronik, puts it, “We’re building a future where humanoid robots are not just tools, but trusted collaborators working seamlessly alongside people.”
This investment isn’t just cash in the bank; it’s the foundation for strategic partnerships that will speed up Apollo’s production and broaden the reach of humanoid robotics worldwide. Since starting out in 2016 at the University of Texas at Austin’s Human Centered Robotics Lab, Apptronik has raised a total of $431 million. The recent funding round was spearheaded by B Capital and Capital Factory, with key players like Google, Mercedes-Benz, and ARK Invest joining in.
Over the past year, Apptronik has seen record growth, including teaming up with Google DeepMind to work on the next wave of humanoid robots. They’re also collaborating with NVIDIA to use Apollo in digital twin simulations. A new partnership with Jabil aims to weave Apollo into its manufacturing processes, setting the stage for even more humanoid robots to roll off the production line.
At Mercedes-Benz, Jörg Burzer of Mercedes-Benz Group AG highlighted the transformative potential of humanoid robotics in modern manufacturing, saying, “We are relentlessly focused on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive innovation.” This $403 million funding is part of a larger trend of investment in humanoid robotics, with companies like Figure AI and Agility Robotics also pulling in substantial funds.
Looking ahead, the Robotics Summit & Expo, scheduled for April 30-May 1 in Boston, will focus on humanoid robots. It’s a chance to dive into the latest advancements and challenges in the field, with experts like Aaron Saunders from Boston Dynamics sharing insights into the future of humanoids. Expect discussions on safety standards and technical innovations, with over 5,000 developers and more than 200 exhibitors on hand, offering a fantastic opportunity for networking and exploring the latest in robotics technology.
