Apptronik Raises $350M for Humanoid Robots | Robotics News

Apptronik Secures $350 Million in Series A Funding

Apptronik, originating as a spinout from the University of Texas, has announced a $350 million Series A funding round. This substantial investment arrives as interest in humanoid robotics is rapidly increasing.

B Capital and Capital Factory jointly led the funding initiative. Google, through its DeepMind division, also participated, establishing a partnership with Apptronik to integrate embodied AI into bipedal robotic systems.

Focus on Practical Application and Commercialization

According to CEO Jeff Cardenas, 2025 will be pivotal for Apptronik and the broader humanoid robotics sector. The focus will be on showcasing the practical utility of these robots with early adopters and customers.

Cardenas anticipates genuine commercialization and scaling to occur in 2026 and beyond. This funding round is specifically structured to facilitate these objectives.

From Pilot Programs to Large-Scale Funding

Prior to this Series A round, the Austin-based startup had secured a combined $28 million in funding. The company previously aimed to generate revenue exceeding the amount of capital raised.

This goal was successfully achieved over the company’s eight-year history through pilot programs with companies like Mercedes and GXO Logistics, as well as direct robot sales. However, prioritizing revenue over fundraising is currently being paused.

A Decade of Humanoid Robotics Expertise

Apptronik’s involvement in humanoid robotics extends back to 2013, predating the company’s official founding. Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin’s Human Centered Robotics Lab competed in the NASA-DARPA Robotics Challenge.

This initial effort centered around a humanoid robot named Valkyrie. Since then, a continued partnership with the space agency has supported Apptronik’s development of its own humanoid robots, including the current model, Apollo.

Differentiating Factors in a Competitive Landscape

Cardenas emphasizes that Apptronik’s extensive experience – spanning over a decade – sets it apart from competitors such as Figure, 1X, and Tesla.

While Boston Dynamics and Agility Robotics also possess significant histories, Apptronik is a more established entity within the humanoid robotics category compared to many newer entrants.

Here's a summary of key competitors:

• Figure
• 1X
• Tesla
• Boston Dynamics
• Agility Robotics

Google DeepMind

The background of Google’s DeepMind AI division may shed light on their collaboration with Apptronik, focused on the creation of robot behavioral models. This partnership aligns with similar initiatives seen throughout the robotics sector.

Recently, Boston Dynamics revealed a collaboration with the Robotics and AI Institute. This followed an earlier agreement between the creators of the Spot robot and Toyota Research Institute, with the goal of enhancing robotic learning capabilities.

These developments signify a broader industry shift, evidenced by OpenAI’s numerous investments in this field. The company behind ChatGPT has provided funding to both 1X and Figure.

Last August, Figure announced plans to integrate OpenAI models to enable natural language interactions for its 02 robot. However, the company subsequently declared a shift in strategy last week, opting to handle all AI development internally.

“Our assessment indicated that achieving scalable embodied AI in real-world scenarios necessitates vertically integrated robot AI,” explained Figure CEO Brett Adcock to TechCrunch. “Reliance on external AI providers is untenable, mirroring the impracticality of outsourcing hardware production.”

Apptronik might eventually adopt a similar approach, but currently, a partnership with Google DeepMind appears more advantageous for the startup. It’s a more efficient path than undertaking the substantial investment needed to develop custom humanoid AI models internally.

“We are confident that Google currently leads the field in AI model development, creating some of the most advanced models available,” states Cardenas.

The Rise of Robotic Labor

Apptronik’s recent Series A funding round is centered around expanding production capabilities and scaling operations. The company currently employs over 170 individuals and anticipates a 50% growth in its workforce within the coming year.

Realistic Expectations for Humanoid Robotics

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding humanoid robots, Apptronik’s CEO, Cardenas, emphasizes a cautious outlook. The company has not yet transitioned beyond pilot programs with its partners.

A pragmatic approach is crucial in this emerging field, prioritizing safety and dependability before widespread implementation. Overly optimistic projections are common, making a measured strategy essential.

Current Pilot Programs and Automotive Applications

Apptronik is currently engaged in several pilot projects, notably with Mercedes. This collaboration is particularly fitting, as automotive manufacturing presents a strong initial application for humanoid robotics.

• These robots can handle tasks like transporting totes and performing other repetitive manual labor on the factory floor.
• Other companies are pursuing similar strategies: Boston Dynamics with Hyundai, Figure with BMW, and Tesla with its Optimus robot.

The automotive industry is proving to be a key testing ground for these technologies. The eventual goal for Tesla is to integrate Optimus into its own electric vehicle production lines.

The Importance of Measured Growth

Addressing concerns regarding safety and ensuring consistent reliability are paramount. Scaling the technology effectively requires careful consideration of these factors before large-scale deployment.

While the potential of humanoid robots is significant, a deliberate and responsible approach to development and implementation is vital for long-term success.

The Future of Humanoid Robotics: Apptronik's Progress

Similar to other companies in the field, Apptronik is exploring applications for its Apollo robot beyond traditional industrial settings. A future is envisioned where these robots assist with everyday household chores, such as grocery handling, meal preparation, and laundry. Buyers may eventually delegate various tasks to these automated assistants.

Cardenas highlights age tech as a particularly promising area for the advancement of robotics. With a growing aging population and an increasing desire for independent living, humanoid robots could provide crucial support.

The Vision of Age Tech

“My ultimate goal is [age tech],” Cardenas states. He emphasizes a core question: “How can we utilize this technology to genuinely enhance the human experience?”

However, realizing this vision remains a future endeavor.

Current Focus: Industrial Applications

Currently, Apptronik, like the majority of humanoid robot manufacturers, is prioritizing industrial applications. Factories and warehouses represent an ideal starting point, as these entities possess the financial capacity and necessary infrastructure for initial trials.

Continued scaling of manufacturing processes will contribute to lowering the overall cost. Presently, however, the systems are prohibitively expensive for residential use – or even for care facilities – to be considered viable.

Apollo is being targeted for a price point under $50,000, according to Cardenas. Nevertheless, Apptronik has yet to achieve this target.

“The economic conditions are now favorable,” Cardenas explains. “And we have a clear pathway to developing significantly more affordable systems.”