# GXO and Apptronik expand humanoid robot trials in logistics operations - **Source:** https://pelavox.com/gxo-and-apptronik-expand-humanoid-robot-trials-in-logistics-operations/ - **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping) - **Author:** Helena Pierce - **Published:** 2026-11-14T02:00:00+00:00 - **Updated:** 2026-11-14T02:00:00+00:00 - **Section:** Logistics - **Type:** News - **Topics:** Apollo Robot, Apptronik, Artificial Intelligence, Contract Logistics, GXO Logistics, Humanoid Robots, Logistics Technology, Physical AI, Robotics-as-a-Service, Supply Chain Automation, Warehouse Automation, Warehouse Robotics GXO Logistics and robotics developer Apptronik have signed a letter of intent to expand trials of humanoid robots in warehouse operations, establishing a framework that could eventually support the deployment of up to 1,000 robots across GXO’s global logistics network. The agreement, announced on 12 November 2026, focuses on Apptronik’s Apollo humanoid robot and the development of a potential Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) commercial model. The companies plan to expand operational testing in 2027, with an initial commercial deployment in North America targeted for late that year, subject to the results of the trials. The proposed wider rollout would take place over four years, provided the technology meets jointly agreed productivity, safety and operational requirements. The letter of intent does not represent a confirmed purchase or deployment commitment for 1,000 robots. GXO and Apptronik have been working together since 2024, initially exploring the use of humanoid robots in warehouse environments. ## Expanding humanoid applications in warehouses The next phase of the partnership will examine how Apollo robots can perform a wider range of tasks within active logistics facilities. The planned trials include goods-to-person and person-to-goods picking, movement of cases and totes, packing and sortation. Each application will be assessed against operational performance indicators before the companies determine whether it is suitable for broader deployment. Safety, security and technical requirements will also form part of the evaluation, including the ability of humanoid robots to operate alongside employees and existing automated warehouse systems. Earlier in 2026, Apollo completed a pilot deployment at a GXO facility in the United States, where the robot was used for autonomous picking of small consumer goods. The companies have also conducted data collection and autonomous evaluations covering more than 50 different logistics tasks at Apptronik’s Robot Park training facility. The expanded trials are intended to establish which warehouse activities can be performed reliably by humanoid robots under commercial operating conditions. Patrick Kelleher, Chief Executive Officer of GXO, said the partnership is focused on identifying applications that can deliver measurable operational benefits. GXO has been developing the use of robotics and automated systems across its contract logistics operations, with the latest agreement adding another potential approach to warehouse automation. ## Potential commercial deployment from 2027 Under the proposed framework, successful trials could lead to a wider commercial rollout of Apollo robots through a Robotics-as-a-Service model. The structure would allow GXO to access robotic capabilities through a service-based arrangement rather than relying exclusively on direct equipment purchases. The companies envisage a potential deployment of up to 1,000 humanoid robots over four years, with initial implementation in North America planned for late 2027. However, progression to commercial deployment will depend on whether the robots meet agreed performance, safety and operational benchmarks. Neither company disclosed the financial terms of the proposed arrangement. Jeff Cardenas, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Apptronik, said the collaboration is intended to establish practical requirements for deploying humanoid robots in live logistics environments. The Apollo platform is being developed for repetitive and physically demanding activities, with potential applications in warehouse picking, material movement and other handling processes. GXO operates more than 1,000 logistics facilities worldwide, providing a substantial operational network in which potential automation applications could be evaluated. The latest agreement represents a further step in the companies’ existing robotics programme, although the scale, timing and commercial terms of any broader deployment remain dependent on the outcomes of the planned trials. --- Cite as: "GXO and Apptronik expand humanoid robot trials in logistics operations", pelavox., 14 November 2026, https://pelavox.com/gxo-and-apptronik-expand-humanoid-robot-trials-in-logistics-operations/