Apple Explores Humanoid Robots: Report

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Apple's venture into robotics is stirring up excitement, with insights from the renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shedding light on their exploration of both humanoid and non-humanoid robot designs. This comes hot on the heels of a research paper from Apple that delves into human interactions with "non-anthropomorphic" robots, spotlighting a Pixar-style lamp as a case study. While the research paper offers a glimpse into what could shape a future consumer robot, it's clear that Apple is still navigating the early stages of this intricate field. Kuo labels this as "early proof-of-concept," drawing parallels to the now-defunct Apple Car project, which was also abandoned early on. Based on current progress and typical development timelines, Kuo predicts that mass production might not kick off until 2028, at the earliest. What sets robotics apart from other Apple projects, like the rumored foldable iPhone, is the unusual level of openness from Apple, a company known for its secrecy. (Remember, this is the same company that recently demanded a public apology from a former iOS engineer for leaking Vision Pro details as part of a legal settlement.) It's no secret that robotics research thrives on collaboration between universities, research facilities, and corporate projects. In recent years, the robotics industry has struggled to hire fast enough to meet accelerated timelines, especially with the advent of generative AI. By publishing their research, Apple not only contributes to the field but also positions itself as an attractive employer for top engineering talent. Kuo points out that the term "non-anthropomorphic" in the research paper is likely used to differentiate this robot from humanoid designs. He notes, "While the industry debates the merits of humanoid vs. non-humanoid designs, supply chain checks indicate Apple cares more about how users build perception with robots than their physical appearance ... implying sensing hardware and software serve as the core technologies." The term "anthropomorphic" can extend beyond traditional humanoids to include systems that mimic human traits but aren't necessarily bipedal with arms and a face. Apple seems to be in an exploratory phase, experimenting with everything from simple systems to complex humanoids. Kuo describes the proof-of-concept system as part of a "future smart home ecosystem," which could range from a full-fledged humanoid for household tasks to a smart home display with a mechanical arm. Recent leaks lean towards the latter, which seems more feasible than launching with a laundry-folding humanoid right out of the gate. While a humanoid for home use might be on a distant roadmap, Apple first needs to gauge consumer interest in home robots beyond just vacuums. Several companies, including 1X, Figure, and Apptronik, are working on industrial humanoids with an eye on transitioning to home use. However, pricing and reliability remain significant hurdles. If the $3,499 Vision Pro was a hard sell, imagine the sticker shock of the first home humanoids. For now, the focus is on scaling reliable industrial humanoid production to eventually lower costs. Given the setbacks with the Apple Car and the initial stumbles with Vision Pro and Apple Intelligence, it's safe to say Apple is approaching robotics with caution. While Apple has a knack for popularizing existing product categories, the graveyard of failed home robots and smart home devices in Silicon Valley is a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. One thing is clear: Apple is actively exploring robotics. We can expect at least another three years of leaks and speculation as this unfolds.

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