Apptronik launches Elevate Robotics to commercialize non-humanoid robots

Apptronik, the Texas-based developer behind the Apollo humanoid, today launched Elevate Robotics. This wholly-owned subsidiary will focus on automating industrial tasks beyond the limits of the human form, Apptronik said.

“We founded Apptronik to build general-purpose robots that empower humans. On our path to realizing this mission, we’ve developed all kinds of groundbreaking robotics technology for humanoid robots and beyond,” said Jeff Cardenas, Apptronik co-founder and CEO. “Elevate shares Apptronik’s core, human-centered DNA and vision of building robots to help humanity, and they’re applying novel technology to tackle heavy-duty tasks in various sectors.”

Apptronik said its Apollo humanoid was the result of a decade of development. During this time, the company built more than 15 robotics systems and made numerous significant technological advancements. These included exoskeletons, upper-body humanoid robots, biped mobility platforms, mobile manipulators, and unique robotic arms that lift more than they weigh, for example.

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While Apptronik said it will continue focusing on Apollo and humanoid robotics, Elevate will focus on heavy-duty, industrial-scale work. Apptronik said the subsidiary will commercialize a multipurpose automation solution outside of the humanoid form factor.

Elevate will operate independently and be led by CEO Paul Hvass, previously a co-founder at Plus One Robotics. 

“With a world-class team assembled, Elevate Robotics is well-positioned to expand the possibilities of industrial-scale work with superhuman robotics,” continued Cardenas. “The Apptronik team is excited to see the world-changing impact of Elevate’s innovations.”

Apptronik to leverage $403M in funding to deploy Apollo

Apptronik earlier this year raised $403 million in Series A funding to help fuel Apollo production. The company is targeting a number of key industries, including automotive, electronics manufacturing, third-party logistics, beverage bottling and fulfillment, and consumer packaged goods.

Apptronik currently has agreements with Mercedes-Benz and GXO Logistics to test Apollo in real-world applications. It’s also working with Google DeepMind to test the company’s Gemini AI models.

The humanoid market has become increasingly crowded in recent years. Despite the number of robots that have appeared on the market and the high investments they’ve attracted, commercial deployments have been slow. The first deployments came in 2024 when GXO officially deployed a “small fleet” of Digit humanoids from Agility Robotics at a Spanx facility in Georgia. Later, Schaeffler AG made a minority investment in Agility and planned to buy Digit robots for use across its global plant network.

Figure AI is also shipping its Figure 02 system to its first paying customers. And Hyundai Motor Group has plans to purchase thousands of Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robots in the coming years.