Apptronik
Austin, Texas humanoid robotics company; builds the Apollo robot and runs pilots with Mercedes-Benz, GXO Logistics, and Jabil.
Apptronik is a humanoid robotics company based in Austin, Texas, that originated as a spinout from the University of Texas at Austin's Human Centered Robotics Lab. The company designs full-stack humanoid robot hardware and software intended for physically demanding, repetitive, or hazardous work in manufacturing, warehousing, and retail settings.
Its product, Apollo, is a modular humanoid robot offered with bipedal and wheeled mobility configurations, built for material handling, line-side manufacturing tasks, inspection, and warehouse picking and packing. Apollo runs an AI-based learning system that lets it acquire new skills over time and includes fleet-management tools intended to let operators deploy and monitor multiple units across a site. Apptronik has established commercial and pilot relationships with Mercedes-Benz for automotive assembly work, GXO Logistics for warehouse operations, and Jabil for electronics manufacturing, and lists Google DeepMind and NVIDIA among its technology partners.
The company received an IEEE Robotics and Automation Society product innovation award in 2025 and was named to CNBC's Disruptor 50 list in 2026. Apptronik has raised venture funding from investors that include Google and Mercedes-Benz to support Apollo's continued development and deployment.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Apollo 2
- Model: Apollo 2
- Launch Year: 2026
Second-generation Apollo platform available in bipedal and wheeled-base configurations; unveiled June 2026 alongside Robot Park training facility.
Contact Apptronik
WEBSITE
https://apptronik.comPHONE
(512) 937-2112HEADQUARTERS
United States
Company Facts
Founded
2016
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
employees 100-500
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
RoboBusiness 2026 to Feature 'State of Humanoids' Keynote with Industry Leaders
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Artificial Intelligence / Cognition Events Humanoids News Agility Robotics Apptronik
Apptronik CEO Highlights Component Shortages Hindering U.S. Humanoid Robot Production
Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas has raised concerns about the United States' ability to produce humanoid robots due to a shortage of essential components, particularly gears. In a recent interview on Fox Business, he emphasized that while the U.S. leads in AI, it lacks a robust domestic supply chain for critical parts, which hampers its competitive edge against countries like China. Cardenas pointed out that actuators, which can account for up to 60% of a robot's bill of materials, are crucial for humanoid functionality. Apptronik has developed over 80 distinct electric actuators since its inception, yet the company faces challenges in sourcing the necessary components at competitive prices. He stressed the importance of having both advanced software and world-class hardware to support the growth of the robotics sector in the U.S. No specific timeline was disclosed for addressing these supply chain issues. However, Cardenas's remarks underscore the need for a strong manufacturing foundation in the U.S. to support its ambitions in humanoid robotics, highlighting the broader implications for domestic production capabilities and the competitive landscape in the industry.
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Robotics Transportation Tesla Xpeng
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Humanoid Robots Robotics Technology AI Automation
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