Mercedes Benz Supports Apptronik In Advancing Humanoid Robotics

Apptronik, a company specializing in AI-powered humanoid robotics, has long been focused on developing robots capable of functioning in complex, real-world environments. Founded as a spinoff from the Human Centered Robotics Lab at the University of Texas at Austin, the company has steadily built its reputation in the field of embodied AI.

Apptronik announced the successful close of a $403 million Series A funding round, which was oversubscribed. Initially set at $350 million, the round attracted additional investment due to strong market interest. Led by B Capital and Capital Factory, the funding round saw participation from major players, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, Japan Post Capital, ARK Invest, Helium-3, Magnetar, RyderVentures (the corporate venture arm of Ryder System, Inc.), and a syndicate led by Korea Investment Partners, among others.

The funds will be used to accelerate production and deployment of Apollo, Apptronik’s AI-powered humanoid robot. The company has identified several industries as early adopters, including automotive, electronics manufacturing, third-party logistics, beverage bottling and fulfillment, and consumer packaged goods. These sectors have long struggled with labor shortages and the need for automation in repetitive and hazardous tasks, making them ideal testing grounds for humanoid robots.

Mercedes-Benz has been an early adopter of Apollo, testing the robots at its Digital Factory Campus in Marienfelde, Berlin, and in Kecskemét, Hungary. Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the potential of humanoid robots to reshape manufacturing processes: