At Consumer Electronics Show 2025, humanoid robots have truly grabbed attention, with some exciting innovations showcased in the tech world. While the most notable names were seen around in Agility’s Digit, Apptronik’s Apollo humanoid robot really stood out with a fresh and inviting take on robotic design.
A new era for humanoid robots unveiled at CES
CES 2025 was a major event for humanoid robotics, with various companies revealing their latest creations. Agility’s Digit, for instance, reappeared in a demo at the Nvidia booth, marking a return after its first appearance at CES 2020 as part of Ford’s showcase. However, beyond a few appearances from established players, smaller firms like Apptronik have emerged as strong contenders in the humanoid space.
Apptronik’s Apollo robot made a memorable entrance as part of Texas Instruments’ exhibit at the event. What set Apollo apart? Its design is far from the cold, sterile aesthetic that many robotic prototypes adopt. Instead, Apollo is a refreshing, more approachable humanoid with a personality that brings warmth to industrial settings.
Apollo’s bright and friendly design
When you imagine a factory robot, the very last thing in your mind will probably be a friendly or something welcoming. Still, Apptronik’s design for its new humanoid, called Apollo, bucks this trend entirely. Unlike dark, apocalyptic themes seen on many humanoid robots, Apollo appears bright, almost cheerful, sporting big eyes and a playful head shape. The design even harks back to an early iMac.
This is unique in the industry, as most competitors use more practical or even intimidating designs. Apollo’s look could be changing the manner in which humanoid robots are viewed, for instance, at the industrial factory site, where they are viewed as tools rather than as companions.
Apollo’s role in the future of factory work
While many humanoid robots are being developed for various purposes, Apollo’s primary function is geared toward factory work. This aligns with the current trend of robots enhancing industrial processes, particularly in the form of pick-and-place tasks.
At CES 2025, Apollo demonstrated these capabilities with a limited demo that focused on picking and placing objects. While the demo was impressive, it’s important to note that this was a prototype showcasing basic functionality and not the fully autonomous version set for deployment.
Factory automation is a booming industry, and humanoid robots like Apollo are being increasingly integrated into these settings. In fact, Apptronik has already begun factory pilots with Mercedes, signaling the robot’s imminent arrival in industrial environments. This is a big step forward for humanoids, especially when compared to other players like Figure, who have partnered with BMW, and Agility’s collaboration with Amazon.
A step toward smarter automation
What sets Apollo apart from other humanoids is not just its incredible design but its future potential in the workforce. The first-generation Apollo is designed with factory environments in mind, which means its current capabilities are far from its final form. Once fully autonomous, Apollo will likely be able to carry out more complex tasks, improving factory efficiency and safety.
Apptronik’s collaboration with Texas Instruments shows how these robots will benefit from advanced hardware, ensuring that Apollo has the performance power needed to handle demanding industrial tasks. These developments are a glimpse into the future of factory automation, where humanoid robots could take on an increasing number of roles previously held by human workers.
The future of humanoid robots
Apptronik’s Apollo humanoid robot at CES 2025 marks a major step forward in humanoid robotics. Its friendly design and focus on factory work make it a game-changer for industries adopting automation. As Apptronik refines Apollo, it could set the standard for humanoid robots in industrial environments.
Apollo’s demo shows that humanoid robots are no longer just in sci-fi. They’re shaping the future of work, promising increased efficiency and transforming industries. Watch as Apollo evolves from prototype to full factory assistant.
