In a major development that underscores the rapid momentum in artificial intelligence and robotics innovation globally, Apptronik, the Texas-based humanoid robotics startup, has secured $520 million in fresh funding, propelling its valuation to roughly $5 billion and setting the stage for a new phase of commercial robot deployment this year.
The funding round, announced on February 11, 2026, is an extension of the company’s Series A financing and attracted support from a roster of heavyweight backers, including Google, Mercedes-Benz, B Capital, the Qatar Investment Authority, AT&T Ventures and John Deere. The infusion pushes Apptronik’s total Series A capital to over $935 million and brings its cumulative fundraising to nearly $1 billion since its founding.
Apptronik plans to use this substantial capital boost to ramp up production of its flagship humanoid robot “Apollo”, extend its workforce beyond the current roster of more than 300 employees, and build out new facilities aimed at accelerating robot training, data collection and commercialization efforts. One such development includes a dedicated robot training and data facility in Austin, Texas, along with a new office in California to support expanded operations.
Apollo is designed as a next-generation humanoid robot capable of navigating real-world industrial environments. Unlike traditional automation tools, Apollo blends both legs and wheels for versatile movement, enabling it to traverse existing workstations, warehouse aisles and manufacturing floors without requiring specialized infrastructure. This hybrid mobility approach positions Apollo as a flexible automation solution for tasks such as lifting, transporting components, sorting and kitting in manufacturing and logistics settings.
Beyond internal development, Apptronik’s momentum is anchored in commercial partnerships that put Apollo to work with major global companies. Current agreements include projects with Mercedes-Benz and GXO Logistics, where the robots are being tested and deployed to enhance productivity in factory and warehouse operations. These collaborations not only validate the technology’s practical applications but also lay down early pathways for broader adoption across industries.
A key strategic pillar behind Apptronik’s technology and growth trajectory is its deepening collaboration with Google DeepMind. By integrating advanced AI models — such as those from the Gemini platform — into Apollo’s control systems, the company aims to strengthen the robot’s autonomous capabilities, decision-making and adaptability in unstructured environments. This blend of embodied hardware and large-scale AI learning is central to the startup’s vision of humanoid robots as capable partners alongside human workers.
Apptronik’s rise comes amid a broader wave of industry interest in autonomous humanoid robots, where competition is intensifying. Rivals such as Figure AI, backed by heavyweights like Tesla and Nvidia, have also been pushing forward with their own robotics programs — with Figure recently reaching a multibillion-dollar valuation. Apptronik’s latest funding and execution roadmap places it as a key challenger in this landscape, especially in industrial automation, logistics and long-term service markets.
Looking ahead, the company expects expanded commercial deployments throughout 2026 and 2027, with plans to evolve Apollo beyond its industrial roots into sectors such as assisted care, retail assistance and home-based applications — where humanoid robotics could reshape how routine tasks are performed.
Apptronik’s funding milestone is a clear indicator of investor confidence in robotics as a foundational element of the next technological future. With major corporations investing heavily and strategic partnerships forming around AI-powered robots, this year could mark a turning point in the integration of humanoid machines into everyday operational environments.