Apptronik and Apollo robot: event availability

Written by ROBOTio Team · · 6 min read

Article summary

Apptronik from Austin develops the Apollo humanoid for manufacturing and logistics. You cannot rent it at events. Here we provide an overview of the brand, models, and a real alternative from the ROBOTio fleet.

Apptronik is an American robotics company based in Austin, Texas, and its main product is the Apollo humanoid for manufacturing and logistics. At events in Czechia or Europe, you cannot rent or purchase it: it only operates in partner pilot programmes and sales are announced for generation Apollo 3 onwards, with no date specified. If you want a real humanoid at your event, ROBOTio can offer you [Unitree G1 and H2 from our fleet](https://robotio.eu/robot-rental). ## Who stands behind Apptronik Apptronik is headquartered in Austin and was established in 2016 from the Human Centered Robotics laboratory at the University of Texas. The company has experience with previous robots (according to available information, there were fifteen) and inherits the legacy of NASA's Valkyrie project. Today it ranks among the most prominently funded American humanoid startups. Its investors include Google, Mercedes-Benz, AT&T Ventures, John Deere, and Qatar Investment Authority. The company has approximately 300 employees and owns a subsidiary, Elevate Robotics, focused on industrial automation. What is important to understand is where the company is headed: this is not an entertainment robot or a performer. Apptronik builds a machine designed to work in warehouses and factories. This is precisely why you will find it in pilot programmes, not in a rental catalogue. ## What robots does Apptronik make The main and essentially exclusive model is Apollo. A detailed profile can be found on the [Apptronik Apollo](https://robotio.eu/apptronik-apollo) page; here we cover only the essentials. ### Apollo (2023) Introduced on 23 August 2023. According to the manufacturer's specifications, it measures 173 cm, weighs 73 kg, can carry 25 kg, and has interchangeable batteries with a runtime of approximately 4 hours. The manufacturer states that by changing batteries, the robot can operate 7 days a week for 22 hours per day. Safety is addressed through an adjustable perimeter zone and an "impact zone" that stops the robot immediately. ### Apollo 2 (June 2026) The second generation introduces two chassis configurations: the robot can walk on legs or move on wheels depending on the task and floor type. Software Artemis was added (perception, planning, control, safety) and Fleet Connect for fleet management. The older stationary variant on a pedestal is no longer offered. Apollo 2 also collects data for Gemini Robotics models from Google DeepMind. The company has not yet published a complete specification table; verified figures come from the 2023 announcement. Details are discussed further in the article [Apptronik Apollo 2: specifications, status and availability](https://robotio.eu/blog/apptronik-apollo-2-prumyslovy-humanoid-dostupnost-akce). ### Apollo 3 It is to be the first fully commercial product. The date has not been announced. ## Where Apollo is actually working today - **Mercedes-Benz (automotive):** agreement from March 2024, trials at Digital Factory Campus Berlin-Marienfelde and at the plant in Kecskemét, Hungary. It is the closest to Czechia among American humanoids. - **GXO (logistics):** multi-phase research and pilot programme from June 2024. - **Jabil (manufacturing):** from February 2025 testing Apollo in its own factories. All of these are closed pilots with selected partners. None of them means that a third party could order the robot for a trade show or corporate event. ## How to get Apptronik Apollo at your event The honest answer is: it is not possible today. ROBOTio does not rent or sell Apollo, and we are monitoring whether Apptronik will open it to European customers. Realistically, you can only: 1. track when the company launches a commercial programme; 2. ask the manufacturer directly whether they offer demonstrations for partners; 3. in the meantime, build your event programme around a humanoid that is available right away. If you need something specific at your event – for example, an impressive humanoid entrance, guest interaction, or footage for social media – Apollo cannot help you, even after a potential market launch. It is designed for cargo and manufacturing tasks, not for guest conversation. ## Alternative: Unitree G1 and H2 from the ROBOTio fleet For events, we deploy humanoids from the [Unitree](https://robotio.eu/brands/unitree) fleet: - **Unitree G1** (135 cm) – compact humanoid, suitable for booths, photography, and stage entrances. Overview available on the [Unitree G1 Basic](https://robotio.eu/unitree-g1-basic) page. - **Unitree H2** (180 cm) – size-wise comparable to Apollo, impressive on stage and in exhibition space. - Each robot is accompanied by two of our operators throughout the event. The robot maintains balance and motion automatically; the operator controls direction and gestures. - The robot speaks in the language in which the guest addresses it (13 languages on the website). Persona and dialogue are approved in advance. - We can deploy up to 4 humanoids at a single event. For automotive audiences, we are ready to arrange a humanoid demonstration, optionally together with a Tesla Cybertruck. Specific scenarios can be found on the [robot for automotive events](https://robotio.eu/robot-hire-by-event-type) page. ### Trade show and booth If Apollo intrigued you because of the industrial setting, start with [robot at a trade show](https://robotio.eu/robot-hire-by-event-type). Good evidence of what a humanoid can do at a booth is the implementation [Brilon × Aquatherm at PVA Expo Letňany](https://robotio.eu/case-study/pva-letnany-otevreni-haly), whose video has over 2 million views. ## Planning a manufacturing pilot? We can advise If your company is considering a humanoid pilot in manufacturing, we are monitoring Apptronik's development and preparing comparisons with Digit, Walker S2, and AgiBot G2. Before you decide to invest, we can give you a live demonstration of what today's humanoids can and cannot do. Orientation in the market can also be found in our [models overview](https://robotio.eu/models) and [model comparison](https://robotio.eu/comparison-of-models). ## Frequently asked questions ### Can Apptronik Apollo be rented for an event? No. Apollo only operates in partner pilots, and ROBOTio does not have it in its offering. For events, we provide Unitree G1 and H2. ### When will Apollo be commercially available? Sales are announced for generation Apollo 3 onwards. Apptronik has not announced a date. ### Where in Europe is Apollo working? At Mercedes-Benz in Digital Factory Campus Berlin-Marienfelde and at the plant in Kecskemét, Hungary. ### Which robot best replaces Apollo at a corporate event? Depending on space and event goals, Unitree H2 (180 cm) or G1 (135 cm). We will help you select the model and prepare its involvement in the programme. ## Want a humanoid at your event that is available now? Tell us what your event is about, and we will send you a quote within 24 hours. Price is always determined on request. [Request robot rental without obligation](https://robotio.eu/robot-rental).

Want to see a humanoid at your own event? Find out how to rent a humanoid robot with our own operators.

Category

robotika

Tags

  • Apptronik
  • Apollo 2
  • humanoid robots
  • robot rental
  • automotive
  • corporate events

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ROBOTio helps companies rent, demonstrate and integrate humanoid robots: Unitree G1 and H2 for events, trade fairs, conferences and marketing campaigns — always with our own operators.