Google Bets Big on Humanoid Robots While Tesla's Optimus Stays in the Lab

While Tesla'sOptimus robots remain stuck in R&D mode, a quieter competitor just secured $520 million from Google and other investors—and their humanoid robots are already working in Mercedes-Benz factories.

Apptronik, the Austin-based startup, announced Wednesday it raised the massive funding round at a $5 billion valuation, bringing its total Series A to nearly $1 billion. The timing isn't coincidental: as Elon Musk promises $20 billion in capex for 2026 to eventually manufacture Tesla's humanoids, Apptronik'sApollo robots are already moving parts and sorting inventory in real industrial settings.

The Reality Check: Lab vs. Factory Floor

Here's what separates hype from hardware: Apptronik's robots aren't just prototypes. Their Apollo humanoids are currently deployed in designated zones at facilities run by Mercedes-Benz, GXO Logistics, and Jabil. These aren't full autonomy—external sensors and "light curtains" pause the robots when humans cross boundaries—but they represent actual commercial deployment.

Compare that to Tesla's latest earnings call, where Musk admitted Optimus remains in "early research and development stage." The contrast is stark: one company is collecting real-world data from working robots, while the other is still perfecting demos.

CEO Jeff Cardenas explained the appeal: "one robot to do thousands of tasks, versus a thousand robots doing a single task." It's the holy grail of automation—versatility over specialization.

The Google Connection Changes Everything

Google's participation isn't just about money. Apptronik has partnered with Google DeepMind, integrating Gemini Robotics AI models into Apollo's brain. This gives the startup access to some of the world's most advanced AI capabilities—a significant advantage over competitors building everything from scratch.

B Capital'sHoward Morgan, who co-led the funding round, expects $1 billion in robot orders starting in 2027, with each Apollo leasing for roughly $80,000 annually. "Think about a factory worker doing three or four shifts, and on any weekend," Morgan said. "Eighty-thousand is cheap!"

That's luxury car pricing for a worker that never sleeps, never takes breaks, and doesn't require benefits. The economics are compelling—if the robots can deliver on their promises.

The Race Against Chinese Competition

Apptronik faces stiff competition from Chinese companies like Unitree, plus American rivals Figure, Agility Robotics, and 1X. The Chinese advantage is clear: lower manufacturing costs and aggressive government backing. Apptronik's bet is that superior AI integration and early market deployment will create an insurmountable lead.

The company plans to use the fresh capital to expand in Austin, open a California office, and prepare for mass production. With 300 employees now and plans to hire 200 more, Apptronik is scaling for a market that may not exist at the promised volumes.

Unlike Musk's tendency toward bold predictions, Cardenas remains cautiously optimistic, declining to specify when robots will ship at scale or what exact capabilities they'll have. The company promises more details later this year.