Mercedes-Benz x Apptronik

Austin-based humanoid-robotics company, founded 2016 as a spinout of the Human Centered Robotics Lab at the University of Texas at Austin. Its humanoid [Apollo](/models/apptronik-apollo) (1.7m, 73kg, replaceable battery, modular design) is built for repetitive, physically demanding tasks in logistics, manufacturing, and retail, and is notable for the breadth of its enterprise engagements. Deployments/partnerships: Apollo has simultaneous engagements with Mercedes-Benz (automotive), [GXO](/companies/gxo) (logistics), and Jabil (electronics manufacturing, which is also a contract-manufacturing partner), plus [Google DeepMind](/companies/google-deepmind) (AI) and [NVIDIA](/companies/nvidia) (compute): broader multi-industry validation than most single-platform competitors. Financials: In February 2026 Apptronik closed a $520 million Series A extension, bringing its total Series A to over $935 million and total funding to roughly $1 billion, at a ~$5.5 billion valuation. Key investors include Google, Hyundai, Schaeffler, B Capital, and others.

Mercedes Benz Group, German luxury automaker deploying Figure 03 [Humanoid](/companies/humanoid-ai) robots in production and developing autonomous driving technology.