Apptronik, a University of Texas spin-off pioneering humanoid robotics, has announced a significant $350 million Series A funding round. This investment, led by B Capital and Capital Factory, will allow Apptronik to scale production and establish itself as a leader in the fast-growing humanoid robot industry.
Apptronik has been at the forefront of humanoid robotics since its inception in 2013, boasting over ten years of research and development experience. The company’s collaboration with Google DeepMind has accelerated the creation of advanced behavioral models for its humanoid robots.
Apptronik’s CEO, Jeff Cardenas, emphasized the company’s focus on commercially viable applications. “Our goal is to demonstrate meaningful utility in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare,” Cardenas said. Apptronik has already secured pilot agreements with major corporations like Mercedes and GXO Logistics.
The investment will enable Apptronik to expand its workforce by 50% and enhance its manufacturing capabilities. Cardenas acknowledged the challenges of bringing humanoid robots to mass production but remained optimistic about the long-term potential.
Apptronik’s ultimate goal is to integrate humanoid robots into everyday life, assisting with household chores, eldercare, and various other tasks. However, Cardenas recognizes that industrial applications will drive the initial adoption and pave the way for more widespread use.
Cardenas believes that Apptronik’s technical expertise and dedicated team will position the company as a frontrunner in the humanoid robot market. With its latest investment, Apptronik aims to revolutionize industries and ultimately improve human lives through the practical application of robotics.
Original source: Read the full article on TechCrunch