A humanoid robot named Apollo is stepping further onto factory floors, backed by Google and Mercedes-Benz, in what is shaping up to be one of the most significant funding pushes in the global robotics race.
US-based robotics firm Apptronik has secured $520 million in fresh investment, bringing its valuation to $5 billion, as it accelerates commercial deployment of its Apollo humanoid robot.
The funding round positions the Texas-founded company among the leading players in the race to scale general-purpose humanoid robots, alongside Tesla’s Optimus and several fast-moving Chinese robotics firms.
A Human-Scale Robot Built for Industry
Apollo stands 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs 160 pounds, and can carry payloads of up to 55 pounds. Each battery pack lasts approximately four hours and can be swapped without shutting the system down.
Designed for flexibility, Apollo can operate with legs or be mounted on stationary or mobile platforms, allowing it to integrate into existing industrial environments.
The robot is already operating in designated areas within facilities run by Mercedes-Benz, GXO Logistics and Jabil, performing tasks such as material handling and warehouse operations.
Apptronik says Apollo’s human-scale form allows it to use tools, shelving and infrastructure built for people, reducing the need for expensive reconfiguration of factory spaces.
Powered by Google DeepMind
Google DeepMind has partnered with Apptronik to integrate advanced artificial intelligence into Apollo, using Gemini-based models designed to enable real-world adaptability.
In recent demonstrations, Apollo has followed natural language instructions, handled unfamiliar objects and adjusted to changes in its surroundings without retraining.
Unlike traditional industrial robots, which are programmed for highly specific tasks, Apollo is being developed as a general-purpose system capable of multi-step reasoning and flexible decision-making.
Apptronik was founded in 2016 as a spinout from the University of Texas and has previously worked on NASA’s Valkyrie humanoid robot.
The name Apollo is widely understood to reference both the Greek god associated with knowledge and precision, and NASA’s historic Apollo space missions. Given the company’s NASA collaborations, the connection reflects a blend of classical symbolism and technological ambition.
Apollo represents Apptronik’s most commercially focused platform to date, building on more than a decade of humanoid robotics development.
Safety and Interaction
Apollo includes a configurable Perimeter Zone and Impact Zone system that pauses movement when obstacles are detected. An LED interface across the head and chest signals operational status, while software allows for both automated workflows and point-and-click control.
The company describes Apollo as designed for mass manufacturability, safety and friendly interaction – characteristics intended to distinguish it from earlier generations of industrial robots.
The Global Humanoid Race
The announcement comes amid intensifying global competition in humanoid robotics.
Tesla continues development of its Optimus robot, while Chinese robotics firms have accelerated production of factory-ready humanoids supported by state-backed investment.
Analysts increasingly view embodied artificial intelligence (AI integrated into physical machines) as a potentially transformative industrial technology.
In the near term, Apollo is targeted at manufacturing and logistics. Longer-term ambitions include construction, oil and gas, electronics production, retail, home delivery and assisted care.
For now, however, the focus remains on scaling production and proving reliability in real-world industrial settings.
Originally written by: Natalie Martin
Source: Greek City Times
Published on: 13 February 2026
Link to original article: ‘Apollo’ the Humanoid Robot Secures $520 Million Backing from Google and Mercedes-Benz
