CES 2025 has been delighting tech enthusiasts around the globe with the latest tech innovations. The event continues to live up to its expectations with the recent launch of humanoid robots. Let’s explore some of the key moments and CES 2205 robotic innovations.
Apptronik, an Austin robotics firm, stood out at CES 2025 with the playful design of its Apollo robot. The robot was on display as part of Texas Instruments' exhibit. This was the first time anyone had seen the Apollo in the flesh, following the release of initial footage in 2023.
Apollo has a cheerful, almost cartoonish design. It stands out in a field of robots that often take on more sterile or dystopian aesthetics. The robot features a playful head design with big eyes, evoking nostalgic memories of early Apple iMac computers.
Although Apollo may look cute, it is made for industrial work, especially in factory settings. Its movements are smooth but only demonstrate a limited pick-and-place demo.
The robot does not reflect the fully autonomous capabilities yet that it will offer once it is deployed in factories. Apptronik recently started factory pilots with Mercedes in March. The company has had similar partnerships with Figure, BMW, Agility, and Amazon.
One of the standout moments occurred during Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's keynote, where humanoid robots from leading companies took center stage. Among them, Agility Robotics' Digit made a fantastic comeback alongside a miniature conveyor belt nestled inside Nvidia's exclusive booth. The bipedal robot, which debuted as part of Ford's showcase for CES 2020, drew much-needed attention for its innovative design and functionality.
Robotics is constantly advancing, and CES 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the development of humanoid robots, with innovation being more achievable than ever. This mix of playfulness in design and industrial focus indicates that the future of humanoid robotics can be both functional and approachable.