Apptronik’s Apollo Humanoid Robot Outpaces Tesla in Market Release

Today, Apptronik introduced a new robotic workforce member called Apollo. This android is specifically engineered to operate in close proximity to humans, functioning effectively in various work environments. Initially, Apollo’s primary tasks will involve transporting and handling cases and totes within logistics and manufacturing sectors. However, Apptronik envisions Apollo’s potential expansion into diverse industries such as construction, oil and gas, electronics production, retail, home delivery, and elder care. It is worth noting that Apollo bears a striking resemblance to Xiaomi’s CyberOne robot, which was unveiled last year and shares similarities with the yet-to-be-released Tesla Bot.

The 5-foot-8, 160-lb Apollo can lift up to 55 lbs. (Apptronik says it optimized efficiency by making its arms lighter than their lifting weight.) It uses replaceable batteries that run for up to four hours in a pack, which should offer more flexibility than robots that need a wall charge before springing back into action. “In short, this battery-based approach means more work output for Apollo and better operational efficiency for customers,” Apptronik wrote in a release today.

Apptronik considers Apollo a robot that can adapt to the job. The company says it has built “modularity into Apollo’s design, allowing users to decide whether Apollo is best used for their applications as a true bipedal walking humanoid, a body on wheels, or mounted in a fixed location.” The robot has digital panels on its face and chest to provide a “friendly, human-like look” to make workers feel comfortable working alongside it (as it potentially moves towards automating its work).

Apptronik has not announced the robot’s pricing. You can read more about Apollo on the company’s product page.