Introducing Apollo, the humanoid robot equivalent of the “iPhone”

Austin-based Apptronik envisions a future where general-purpose robots can perform mundane, dirty, and dangerous tasks, eliminating human labor.

Science fiction may come to mind when thinking about humanoids doing housework or constructing homes on the moon. However, the team at Austin-based robotics startup Apptronik sees a time when humans won't have to perform "dull, dirty, and dangerous" tasks because general-purpose robots will take care of them.

Apollo, the newest humanoid robot from Apptronik, had its design revealed on Wednesday.

Standing five feet, eight inches (1.7 meters) tall and weighing 160 pounds (72.6 kg), the robot is the same size as a human.

Apollo is built to be mass-produced and comfortably coexist with humans. It has a lifting capacity of 55 pounds (25 kilograms). The robot runs on electricity, not the less dangerous hydraulics, and has a replaceable four-hour battery that allows it to work for a full 22-hour workweek.

In order to steer clear of the "uncanny valley," a situation where people become concerned when a robot that resembles a human appears, Austin-based company Argodesign gave Apollo characteristics that make him seem accessible, even nice.

The robot's chest is covered with digital screens that clearly communicate information about its remaining battery life, the task it is working on at the moment, when it will finish, and what it will do next. Apollo has a face as well as deliberate motions, such tilting its head to signal where it wants to go.