Contract logistics provider GXO will expand its deployment of humanoid robots from Apptronik in a deal that could reach a global rollout of up to 1,000 humanoid robots over the next four years.
The initial deployment of those robots in North America would start in late 2027, according to a letter of intent (LOI) between the two companies.
GXO and Apptronik will expand joint trials of Apptronik’s “Apollo” model robot in live operations across a range of warehouse workflows, including goods-to-person and person-to-goods picking, case and tote movement, packing, and sortation. Beginning in 2027, the trials will validate the safety, security and technical requirements for scaled deployment – with each use case assessed and sequenced against jointly agreed productivity, safety and operational KPIs – and demonstrate how humanoids can work alongside existing automation and GXO team members.
Subject to the success of the deployments and the ability to meet agreed performance, safety, and operational KPIs, the companies intend to progress toward global rollout of up to 1,000 Apollo humanoid robots over the next four years, under a Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) model.
“We started working with GXO in 2024, and through our partnership we’re defining what it takes to put humanoid robots to work in logistics — measured against real operational KPIs in live facilities, and delivering real value,” said Jeff Cardenas, CEO and co-founder of Apptronik. “GXO has the network and the operating discipline to take this technology to real scale, across one of the largest logistics footprints in the world.”
GXO launched a proof-of-concept test in 2024 of Austin, Texas-based Apptronik’s robots, with a goal of finding practical applications in a warehouse environment. It then expanded that deal in 2026 from an initial application in a Georgia DC to additional warehouses in North Carolina and Tennessee.
