Inside the race to build humanoid robots with Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas

In this talk

1. 1:59

   Building a more robust Apollo

   Cardenas says Apptronik is developing new Apollo versions for release later in 2025, with changes across the robot’s hardware, software, and operating system. The next version has a larger, swappable battery, and the company is building more units as it prepares to scale. He says the team has made over 60 actuator iterations and is focusing on reliability before ramping production.

2. 7:54

   Designing robots for people

   Cardenas describes Apptronik’s “Robots for Humans” philosophy as designing humanoids to work with people in human spaces. He says recent AI advances are making dexterous manipulation more feasible, expanding the tasks humanoids may handle. He frames the robots as helpers that augment people’s capabilities.

3. 15:49

   Funding and manufacturing at scale

   Cardenas discusses Apptronik’s $403 million funding round, including Google, Capital Factory, B Capital, Mercedes-Benz, and other investors. He says partnering with Jabil gives the company access to manufacturing expertise and facilities across the U.S. and Mexico. That lets Apptronik learn to produce at scale while keeping options open as trade conditions change.

4. 29:11

   A global race with phased adoption

   Cardenas characterizes humanoid robotics as a global competition, especially between the U.S. and China, and says the U.S. needs a national strategy. He expects 2025 to focus on proving commercial viability, with meaningful industrial uptake more likely in late 2026. He describes a progression from manufacturing and logistics to public-facing settings, with home and elder care further out because safety remains a major challenge.