Apptronik raises $520 million to expand humanoid robotics production

Austin-based humanoid robotics company Apptronik has raised $520 million in a Series A extension, bringing its total venture funding close to $1 billion. The financing will be used to scale production of the company’s Apollo humanoid robots and support ongoing research and development, according to Pitchbook.

Investors in the round include returning backers B Capital, Google, and Mercedes‑Benz, as well as new participants such as AT&T Ventures, John Deere, and the Qatar Investment Authority. The company’s valuation has reportedly tripled since its original Series A, though an exact figure has not been disclosed. CEO Jeff Cardenas said the extension was opened after strong investor demand, reflecting confidence in Apptronik’s technology and commercial strategy.

Funding supports Apptronik’s growth and AI integration in humanoid robotics

Apptronik plans to use the new capital to increase manufacturing capacity, expand pilot programs internationally, and invest in next-generation humanoid robot design. A portion of the funds will also support AI infrastructure and data systems to enhance robot performance, enabling Apollo robots to operate more effectively in complex human environments.

The investor mix highlights the strategic appeal of humanoid robotics. Technology firms like Google are interested in AI integration and automation, while industrial players such as Mercedes‑Benz and John Deere see potential for robotics in manufacturing and logistics. The involvement of the Qatar Investment Authority demonstrates that institutional investors are also taking notice of the sector’s growth prospects.

The company’s fundraising comes amid a broader surge in humanoid robotics investment. In 2025, startups in the space raised $6.1 billion across 139 deals, more than triple the total from the previous year. Notable recent deals include Figure AI’s $1 billion Series C round, reportedly at a $39 billion valuation, and China’s X Square Robot raising $140 million from ByteDance and HongShan Capital.

Humanoid robotics company Apptronik poised for industry expansion

Humanoid robots aim to operate safely and effectively in human-centric spaces, but early efforts were limited by challenges in sensing, mobility, and task execution. Advances in AI, computer vision, and robotics-specific large language models now allow robots to perceive and respond to complex environments with greater accuracy.

Companies worldwide are exploring applications ranging from general-purpose assistance in homes and workplaces to specialized solutions in logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. High-profile projects like Tesla’s Optimus robots have drawn attention to the potential of humanoid machines, although many remain in early stages of development. The field is now characterized by both experimentation and increasing competition, with startups and established corporations racing to demonstrate commercially viable robots.

Apptronik’s latest funding round reinforces investor confidence in AI-driven humanoid robotics and the commercial potential of general-purpose robots. With nearly $1 billion raised to date, the company is positioned to expand production, enhance research capabilities, and scale pilot deployments globally. The surge in venture investment across the sector suggests that humanoid robotics is entering a new phase of development, fueled by AI advancements that make robots more capable, adaptable, and commercially viable. Industry observers expect continued innovation and deployment as companies like Apptronik work to translate technology breakthroughs into practical applications