GXO targets 1,000 Apptronik Apollo robots, Koetsier reports

GXO Logistics has signed a letter of intent with Apptronik to deploy up to 1,000 Apollo humanoids starting in 2027, according to a LinkedIn post by John Koetsier, founder of HumanoidMegaHub. Koetsier described a four year deployment plan with a targeted cost of $15 an hour. The letter of intent sets out a proposed rollout rather than a completed deployment or firm order for the full robot count.

The Apptronik Apollo robots would handle more than tote movement. Koetsier said the planned work includes picking individual products from shelves, packing boxes and bags, sorting goods, and operating alongside existing warehouse automation. That task mix puts dexterity and reliable manipulation at the center of the proposed deployment. In his account, speed, uptime and autonomy are also central to making the economics work.

Koetsier attributed an all inclusive cost target of $15 to $20 per hour to GXO CEO Patrick Kelleher, framing it as a measure of success rather than an achieved operating rate. He also said GXO has conducted more than 45 humanoid pilots across multiple vendors, including Apptronik, Agility Robotics and Reflex Robotics. With more than 1,000 facilities globally, according to the post, GXO offers a substantial operating footprint for testing humanoids against warehouse tasks.

Source: John Koetsier on LinkedIn