Humanoid Robotics Startup Apptronik Raises $520 Million With Backing From Google, Mercedes-Benz

Feb 11, 2026 (GeokHub) - Humanoid robotics company Apptronik has raised $520 million in fresh funding as it accelerates efforts to commercialize its industrial robots, drawing support from major investors including Google and Mercedes-Benz.

The Austin, Texas-based startup was valued at approximately $5 billion in the latest funding round, according to a source familiar with the matter. The investment included participation from B Capital and the Qatar Investment Authority, expanding on a previous fundraising effort last year.

Scaling Up Industrial Robotics

Apptronik plans to use the new capital to advance development of its humanoid robot, Apollo, increase production capacity, and expand its workforce beyond its current team of more than 300 employees. The company is also preparing to open a dedicated robot training and data collection facility in Austin, alongside a new office in California.

Chief Executive Jeff Cardenas said deployments of humanoid robots in factories and warehouses are expected to increase over the next two years as companies look for automation solutions amid labor shortages and rising operational costs.

Growing Competition in Humanoid AI

The funding comes amid intensifying competition in the humanoid robotics sector. Several technology companies are racing to develop human-like robots capable of operating in manufacturing and logistics environments. Some rivals have already achieved significantly higher valuations, reflecting strong investor interest in the field.

Apptronik is initially targeting manufacturing and logistics customers, securing commercial agreements with companies including Mercedes-Benz and GXO Logistics. Over time, the company aims to expand into assisted care and home-use robotics applications.

AI Integration and Strategic Partnerships

A key part of Apptronik’s strategy involves collaboration with Google DeepMind. The partnership focuses on integrating advanced artificial intelligence models into Apollo, combining AI software with real-world data collected from deployed robots.

Apollo is designed with both legs and wheels, allowing it to navigate industrial environments while maintaining compatibility with human-scale workstations and shelving. The company believes this design could eventually replace certain task-specific industrial machines.

Founded in 2016 as a spinout from the University of Texas, Apptronik traces its roots to early development work connected to NASA’s humanoid robotics programs.

Investors say the company’s hardware design — particularly its robotic hand technology — and growing commercial order pipeline position it competitively within the rapidly evolving robotics market.