Apptronik Secures $350M to Revolutionize Humanoid Robotics as Industry Heats Up
The field of humanoid robotics is gaining momentum, and Apptronik, a University of Texas spin-out, is emerging as a major player. The Austin-based startup recently announced a $350 million Series A funding round led by B Capital and Capital Factory, with participation from Google, whose DeepMind division is collaborating with Apptronik to integrate embodied AI into its robots.
Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas describes 2025 as a pivotal year for the company and the humanoid robotics industry. “This year is about demonstrating useful work with early adopters and customers,” Cardenas shared. “The real commercialization and scaling will happen in 2026 and beyond, and that’s exactly what this funding is designed to achieve.”
Founded in 2016, Apptronik has a history rooted in humanoid robotics. Its journey began in 2013 with NASA’s DARPA Robotics Challenge, where its team worked on a humanoid robot called Valkyrie. Since then, the company has developed its own line of humanoids, culminating in its latest model, Apollo.
A Decade of Experience as a Differentiator
Apptronik’s deep expertise in humanoid robotics sets it apart from competitors like Tesla’s Optimus, Figure, and 1X. While newer startups scramble to establish credibility, Apptronik has been refining its technology for over a decade. This extensive experience has also attracted Google’s DeepMind team, which is helping the startup build advanced robot behavioral models.
Cardenas highlights the importance of partnerships in the robotics space. For instance, Boston Dynamics has tied up with Toyota Research Institute, and OpenAI has partnered with Figure to enhance AI capabilities for humanoid robots.
Scaling and Production Plans
Apptronik plans to use the Series A funding to scale its operations, aiming for a 50% increase in its workforce, which currently numbers over 170 employees. The funds will also support ongoing pilot programs with partners like Mercedes and GXO Logistics, which leverage Apollo robots for tasks such as tote moving in manufacturing environments.
Automotive manufacturing, in particular, has become a natural testing ground for humanoid robots. Competitors like Boston Dynamics, Figure, and Tesla are also targeting factories and warehouses as their primary focus areas.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the promise of humanoid robots is exciting, Cardenas remains pragmatic about the industry’s challenges. Safety concerns, reliability, and cost are significant barriers to scaling. Although Apollo’s target price is below $50,000, it will take time to reach affordability levels that make these robots viable for home or care facility applications.
“The economics now make sense, and we know how to get to much more affordable systems,” Cardenas explained.
For now, Apptronik is focused on industry applications, where corporations have the resources to support pilot programs and invest in advanced technology. As the cost of production decreases, the potential for humanoids in broader markets will grow exponentially.
With its latest funding and strong industry partnerships, Apptronik is well-positioned to lead the next wave of humanoid robotics innovation, transforming industries and redefining how robots integrate into our daily lives.