Apptronik Launches Elevate Robotics to Redefine Industrial Automation

Apptronik, a US-based AI humanoid robotics startup, has announced the formation of Elevate Robotics, a new, wholly owned subsidiary dedicated to advancing industrial automation beyond human capabilities.

The new venture, based in the US, will operate independently under the leadership of CEO Paul Hvass, co-founder of Plus One Robotics. Elevate aims to commercialize non-humanoid robotics solutions, building on Apptronik’s decade-long experience in humanoid systems.

While Apptronik continues to develop its humanoid robot Apollo, Elevate Robotics will deliver new automation technologies for heavy-duty industrial tasks. The founding team includes roboticists involved in Apollo’s development and experts from across the industrial automation sector.

“Humans are toolmakers. We build tools to help us do more with less,” said Jeff Cardenas, co-founder and CEO of Apptronik. “Elevate shares Apptronik’s core, human-centered DNA and vision of building robots to help humanity, and they’re applying novel technology to tackle heavy-duty tasks in various sectors.”

Elevate Robotics will build on Apptronik’s robotics breakthroughs to develop mobile manipulation systems with capabilities exceeding current market standards. These new machines, described as “superhuman robots,” are designed to go “bigger, faster, and stronger.”

Elevate’s technologies aim to transform industrial-scale work, with an emphasis on applications outside the humanoid form factor. The company introduced itself publicly with the mission to “empower humanity with superhuman robots that transform the way we work.” The company’s announcement highlighted its intent to redefine power in automation through advanced robotics.

The launch of Elevate Robotics follows Apptronik’s recent raise of an additional $53 million in its Series A round in March this year. This brought its total Series A funding to $403 million, adding to the previously announced $350 million, led by B Capital and Capital Factory, with participation from Google. New investors included Mercedes-Benz, Japan Post Capital, RyderVentures, and a syndicate led by Korea Investment Partners.

With this new subsidiary, Apptronik is set to expand its impact in the robotics and automation industry, leveraging its extensive experience and cutting-edge technology to push the boundaries of what is possible in industrial automation.