Apptronik is a Texas-based robotics company specializing in the development and commercialization of general-purpose, AI-powered humanoid robots. Founded in 2016 as a spin-out from the Human Centered Robotics Lab at the University of Texas at Austin, Apptronik’s mission is to create human-centered robots that can work safely and efficiently alongside people. The company’s flagship product, Apollo, is designed for industrial and logistics applications, with a long-term vision to expand into sectors such as healthcare, retail, and even space exploration. Apptronik’s robots are engineered to address global labor shortages, enhance workplace safety, and automate physically demanding or repetitive tasks, ultimately aiming to transform the way people live and work.
Leadership
Jeff Cardenas (Co-Founder & CEO): Holds a Master of Science in Technology Commercialization and a business degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Cardenas has deep experience in product development, go-to-market strategy, and technology commercialization, with a background at Deloitte Consulting and the IC2 Institute at UT Austin. He is passionate about entrepreneurship and leveraging technology for societal benefit.
Dr. Nicholas Paine (Co-Founder & CTO): Received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from UT Austin. Paine is an expert in high-performance actuators and embedded systems, having contributed to NASA’s Valkyrie robot and led technical strategy at Apptronik since its founding.
Core Technologies
Apollo Humanoid Robot:
Mass-producible, human-sized robot designed for safe collaboration with people in industrial environments.
Can lift up to 55 pounds, with a modular battery system enabling up to 22 hours of operation per day.
Features digital panels for task status, battery life, and communication, plus a “face” and intentional movements for intuitive human interaction.
Built on proprietary high-performance electric actuators and real-time embedded controls for advanced mobility, dexterity, and safety.
Advanced Sensing & AI:
Equipped with sensors, actuators, and AI algorithms for perception, situational awareness, and autonomous decision-making.
Designed to understand and respond to human commands, navigate complex environments, and perform a broad range of manipulation tasks.
Safety & Human-Centric Design:
Focuses on biocompatibility, functional safety, and intuitive operation to ensure robots can work closely with humans without risk.
Key Capabilities
Industrial & Logistics Automation:
Automates physically demanding tasks such as material handling, packing, and movement of goods in warehouses and manufacturing facilities.
Human-Robot Collaboration:
Designed to operate safely alongside human workers, enhancing productivity and workplace safety.
Adaptability & Versatility:
Modular design and AI-driven learning enable robots to be trained for new tasks and environments, supporting future expansion into healthcare, retail, and domestic applications.
Scalability:
Engineered for mass production, with a goal to price robots below that of a car, making them accessible for widespread deployment.
Investors
Total Funding: Over $350 million raised as of February 2025.
Key Investors: B Capital, Capital Factory, Google, with previous investments totaling $28 million before the Series A.
Valuation: Not publicly disclosed.
Company Type: Private.
Notable Clients
NASA: Collaborated on the Valkyrie robot and ongoing robotics research.
Sanctuary: Robotics and AI company utilizing Apptronik’s technology.
Mercedes-Benz and GXO Logistics: Early adopters deploying Apollo for real-world industrial and logistics applications.
