Apple Has a Humanoid Robot in the Works, According to a Report
The Robots
Apple is exploring both humanoid and non-humanoid robots for its future smart home ecosystem, and these products are still in the early proof-of-concept (POC) stage internally. While the industry debates the merits of humanoid vs. non-humanoid designs, supply chain checks indicate that Apple is more invested in how users interact with the robot than in how the robots themselves look.
Design and Features
Apple uses anthropomorphic robots as opposed to humanoid robots, with sensing hardware and software at the core. This approach is similar to Samsung’s smart home robot, Ballie, which can assist users throughout their homes and complete tasks such as greeting them at the door, projecting notifications, and more.
Timeline
Kuo shares that Apple’s mass production of robots likely won’t start until 2028 or later, if the robots even make it into production. The post highlights how some of Apple’s proof-of-concepts don’t even make it past that stage, such as the Apple Car, which never made it into production.
The AI Space
The progress made in the AI space has accelerated the pace at which humanoid robots can be developed, and as a result, we have seen many tech companies rush in on the action. OpenAI and Tesla are both hiring to grow their robotics teams, and Apptronik just announced the closing of a $350 million Series A funding round to accelerate the deployment of Apollo, its 5-foot, 8-inch, 160-pound robot.
Conclusion
Apple’s foray into humanoid robots is an exciting development in the tech world. With its expertise in hardware and software, Apple is well-positioned to bring innovative solutions to the smart home space. While the timeline for mass production remains uncertain, the prospects for Apple’s robots are promising.
FAQs
Q: What is Apple’s approach to designing robots?
A: Apple uses anthropomorphic robots with sensing hardware and software at the core.
Q: When can we expect to see Apple’s robots in production?
A: Mass production is likely to start in 2028 or later, if the robots make it into production.
Q: What is the purpose of Apple’s robots?
A: Apple’s robots are designed to assist users throughout their homes and complete tasks such as greeting them at the door, projecting notifications, and more.
Q: How does Apple’s approach to robotics compare to other companies?
A: Apple’s approach is similar to Samsung’s smart home robot, Ballie, which uses a humanoid design. Other companies, such as OpenAI and Tesla, are also developing their own robotics teams.
