Apptronik, which makes humanoid robots, raises $350M as category heats up
Feb 17, 2025
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Jeff Cardenas, CEO of Apptronik, shares insights from his robotics firm specializing in humanoid robots. He discusses their recent $350 million Series A funding round, co-led by B Capital and Capital Factory. The conversation delves into the competitive landscapes of robotics and AI, emphasizing future trends and the implications of humanoid technology on various industries. Cardenas also highlights partnerships and the strategic directions Apptronik is taking to stay ahead in this evolving market.
Aptronic raised $350 million to enhance humanoid robots, focusing on practical applications and commercial scalability by 2026.
The partnership with Google's DeepMind aims to improve robot behavior, reflecting the industry's shift towards collaboration for advanced AI in robotics.
Deep dives
Aptronic's Significant Funding and Strategic Partnerships
Aptronic has successfully raised $350 million in a Series A funding round, co-led by B Capital and Capital Factory, with notable support from Google's DeepMind division. This funding aims to advance Aptronic's goals of demonstrating practical applications of humanoid robots by 2025, targeting commercialization and scaling efforts for 2026 and beyond. The company has a history dating back to its participation in the NASA DARPA Robotics Challenge, which has provided a wealth of experience that differentiates Aptronic from newer competitors in the humanoid robot market. This strategic partnership with Google's DeepMind is intended to develop advanced robot behavioral models, highlighting the industry's shift towards collaborations to enhance AI capabilities in robotics.
Humanoid Robots: Applications and Future Potential
Currently, Aptronic is focused on pilot projects primarily within the automotive sector, partnering with companies like Mercedes and GXO Logistics to integrate humanoid robots in various factory tasks. While the technology shows promise, Aptronic's CEO emphasizes the need for a careful approach that addresses safety and reliability before scaling up operations significantly. The prospect of using humanoid robots for more personal applications, such as assisting the aging population or handling household chores, generates excitement, although these applications remain in the future. The target price for Aptronic's humanoids is set to be under $50,000; however, the company acknowledges that achieving affordability is still a work in progress as they refine their systems and production strategies.
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Aptronic Secures Major Funding to Scale Humanoid Robotics
Apptronik, a University of Texas spin-out that was quietly building humanoid robots before it became quite so fashionable, on Thursday announced a $350 million Series A round of financing. B Capital and Capital Factory co-led the round, which also featured participation from Googl