Austin-based robotics company Apptronik has taken a significant step forward in the development of its humanoid robots, announcing a new partnership with American manufacturing giant Jabil. This collaboration, revealed on Tuesday, comes just two weeks after Apptronik raised $350 million in Series A funding to ramp up production of its Apollo robot.
This marks Apptronik’s second major pilot partnership, following a March 2024 deal with Mercedes-Benz to test Apollo on their production lines. While the partnership with the car manufacturer is still in the pilot stage, it highlights the growing interest in humanoid robots within industrial settings.
The new deal with Jabil brings a unique twist: in addition to testing the Apollo robot on Jabil’s factory floor, the companies will work together as manufacturing partners. Should Apollo prove commercially viable, Jabil will produce the robot in its own facilities, potentially leading to a future where humanoids help build themselves.
For now, the robots will be assigned basic manufacturing tasks, such as sorting and transporting parts. This real-world validation is a crucial step for Apptronik, as it works toward its goal of commercializing Apollo by 2026. The more successful the robots are on Jabil’s production floor, the closer Apptronik gets to scaling up to full production.
While the humanoid robot industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with players like Agility, Boston Dynamics, and Tesla entering the space, Apptronik has an edge. With deep experience from its University of Texas roots and a strong partnership with Google DeepMind for AI development, the company is well-positioned to shape the future of humanoid robots for industrial use.
