Apptronik Cracks CNBC Disruptor 50, Highlighting Humanoid Robotics' Rise in AI Era

Austin-based Apptronik has achieved a significant milestone, becoming the first humanoid robotics company to be featured on CNBC's prestigious Disruptor 50 list. The company landed at #33 on the 13th annual list, announced June 10, 2025, marking a notable moment for the burgeoning field of general-purpose robots.

AI and Scalability Key to Recognition

CNBC's selection for the 2025 Disruptor 50 heavily emphasizes companies demonstrating strong potential for scalability and deep integration into what the publication terms the "new gen AI era." Apptronik's inclusion, as the sole humanoid robotics representative on this year's list, underscores the growing recognition of advanced robotics as a transformative technology. According to CNBC, key quantitative criteria for the list included scalability and user growth, areas where Apptronik has shown considerable momentum.

Apollo: The AI-Powered Humanoid

At the heart of Apptronik's innovation is Apollo, its commercial humanoid robot first unveiled in 2023. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds, Apollo is designed to operate for four hours per battery pack. Its initial applications target warehouses and manufacturing plants, where it can perform tasks such as trailer unloading, case picking, and machine tending.

Apollo's operational capabilities are significantly enhanced by an AI data engine, enabling autonomous function. The robot learns new tasks by leveraging foundational models trained on datasets of human demonstrations, a critical aspect for its adaptability in dynamic environments. Apptronik envisions Apollo's applications eventually extending beyond logistics and manufacturing into sectors like healthcare, construction, retail, and even domestic assistance.

Strategic Funding and Partnerships

Apptronik's strategic moves have evidently captured attention. In February 2025, the company announced a substantial $350 million Series A funding round. The round was co-led by B-Capital and Capital Factory, with notable participation from Google. This infusion, bringing Apptronik's total funding to $443 million, is earmarked for expanding Apollo's deployment, accelerating development, and scaling the company's operations.

High-profile partnerships further solidify Apptronik's AI-centric approach. The company is collaborating with Nvidia and has joined forces with Google's DeepMind, which plans to utilize its Gemini 2.0 generative AI model to help build the next generation of humanoid robots with Apptronik. The robotics firm also has a history of collaboration with NASA on its Valkyrie humanoid robot and is currently piloting Apollo with major industry players, including Mercedes-Benz and GXO Logistics, in manufacturing and warehouse facilities.

Navigating a Competitive Landscape

The humanoid robotics field is rapidly evolving, with formidable competition from entities like Tesla and its Optimus robot. Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently stated an expectation to have "thousands of Optimus robots working in Tesla factories by the end of this year."

Despite the competitive pressures, Apptronik's co-founder and CEO, Jeff Cardenas, expressed confidence in a CNBC "Squawk Box" interview following the funding announcement. "Our investors are really backing us and think that we have a real shot at winning this race," Cardenas said, asserting that Apptronik is "right there" with Tesla Optimus. He also reiterated the company's goal for its robots to eventually be "cheaper than a car" and to support human workers rather than replace them.

Apptronik's placement on the Disruptor 50 list is not just an accolade for the company but also a significant marker for the humanoid robotics industry, signaling its increasing relevance and potential to reshape various sectors through AI-driven automation.