:

APPTRONIK RAISES $1B AT $5B VALUATION

AI DESK1 MIN READ
MON, JUN 29, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

Humanoid robot maker Apptronik closed a funding round of approximately $1 billion, valuing the company at $5 billion. Mercedes-Benz participated in the round and already operates several of Apptronik's Apollo robots in its factories.

The funding underscores growing momentum in the humanoid robotics sector, with major automakers investing in automation solutions. Apptronik CEO Jeff Cardenas has emphasized that integrating humanoid machines into mainstream manufacturing will occur gradually, reflecting the challenges of scaling production-ready robots. Mercedes-Benz's involvement signals confidence in Apptronik's technology, with the automotive manufacturer already testing Apollo robots on factory floors. The partnership could accelerate real-world deployment and provide valuable feedback for further development. The round adds to a wave of investment in humanoid robotics, as companies race to develop machines capable of performing complex tasks in human environments. Apptronik joins other robotics startups attracting significant capital as industries explore automation alternatives amid labor constraints and operational demands.

■ SOURCES

Techmeme

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

■ MORE FROM THE HARDWARE DESK

A new video format called Eclipsa Video is entering the market to challenge established HDR standards like Dolby Vision and HDR10. The technology promises different technical approaches to high dynamic range imaging.

2H AGOIndustry Desk

Anker's Soundcore Nebula P1 delivers a compact, water-resistant projector at an accessible price point. The device targets users seeking indoor-outdoor versatility over premium image quality.

3H AGOIndustry Desk

Philips is offering free replacements for smart lighting hubs that were rendered unusable by a recent software update. The company has also released a new update designed to prevent the issue from occurring again.

4H AGOIndustry Desk

South Korean memory chipmaker SK Hynix completed the largest foreign company listing in US market history. The IPO reflects confidence that artificial intelligence demand will break the semiconductor industry's cyclical boom-and-bust pattern.

16H AGOAI Desk

■ SUBSCRIBE TO THE DAILY BRIEF

ONE EMAIL, 5 STORIES, 06:00 UTC. UNSUBSCRIBE ANYTIME.