Apple Reportedly Exploring Humanoid and Non-Humanoid Robots:
Apple is making waves again, this time by delving into the world of robotics. According to renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is actively exploring both humanoid and non-humanoid robotic designs. This revelation follows the publication of an Apple research paper that focuses on human interaction with “non-anthropomorphic” robots—think less humanoid and more like a Pixar-style lamp.
Kuo describes Apple’s work as a proof-of-concept still in its early stages, comparing it to the long-rumored Apple Car project, which was eventually shelved. If Apple follows typical development cycles, Kuo estimates that mass production of an Apple robot could happen as early as 2028—though that’s an optimistic projection.
What Makes This Project Different
Unlike other secretive projects like the foldable iPhone, Apple’s robotics research has been surprisingly transparent. Robotics requires collaboration with universities, research institutions, and corporate partners, making it harder for even Apple to stay completely under wraps. Publishing research papers could also help Apple recruit top engineering talent in a field where companies often struggle to hire fast enough to meet growing demand.
Kuo notes that Apple’s focus appears less on whether robots are humanoid or non-humanoid and more on how people perceive and interact with them. The core technologies seem to be in sensing hardware and advanced software, which could allow robots to adapt and respond naturally to users.
The Bigger Picture
Kuo hints that Apple’s robotics work could eventually fit into a “future smart home ecosystem.” This could range from a full humanoid robot that handles household chores to a simpler device, such as a smart home assistant with mechanical features. Early leaks suggest that Apple may prioritize the latter—a less ambitious but more practical step for the near future.
The challenge lies in striking a balance between functionality and cost. Companies like 1X, Figure, and Apptronik are already developing industrial humanoids and working to bring those innovations to homes. But with high costs and reliability concerns, we’re likely years away from seeing an affordable humanoid robot in every home.
A Cautious Approach
After shelving the Apple Car project and facing early hurdles with the Vision Pro, it’s clear that Apple is moving carefully in the robotics space. The company’s track record of refining and popularizing existing technologies suggests that it may wait to perfect its robot before making any big announcements.
For now, one thing is certain—Apple is actively exploring robotics. Whether it’s a smart home helper or something far more advanced, we’ll likely be hearing a lot more about this project over the next few years.
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