Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at TF Securities, claims that Apple is looking into integrating robots into its future smart home environment. Both humanoid and non-humanoid form factors are reportedly being considered by the Cupertino-based tech behemoth. According to current estimates, the plan has advanced to the proof-of-concept level, and mass production is not anticipated to start until 2028. The iPhone manufacturer, however, seems to be taking robotics seriously and views it as a software-focused sensor-based technology. The business recently released a paper on the ELEGNT platform, which enables non-humanoid robots to communicate their goals through movement.
In 2028, Apple may venture into the robotics industry.
Kuo asserted in a post on X (previously Twitter) that Apple would add both humanoid and non-humanoid robots to its smart home environment. Remarkably, Kuo asserted that Apple is more interested in how consumers develop perception with robots than it is in determining whether form factor is more beneficial. Interestingly, the tech behemoth refers to robots that resemble people as “anthropomorphic” rather than “humanoid.”
According to the insider, Apple is more concerned with the software integration and sensor hardware for these robots than with their outward look. However, Kuo said that even if all goes according to plan, full production won’t begin until 2028 or later because the company’s robots ambitions are still in the proof-of-concept stage. He also mentioned in passing that the company is currently in the proof-of-concept phase of developing its rumored foldable smartphone.
It’s intriguing that Apple hasn’t kept its robotics goals a secret. The business has published a number of papers on increasing this technology’s capabilities. Researchers at Apple released a paper this week on the ELEGNT framework, which enables non-humanoid robots to interact with users through expressive movements and communicate their goals.
The tech giant also demonstrated the framework’s potential with a non-humanoid robot in the shape of a lamp that could move in a more expressive and immersive manner. However, these motions don’t help with work completion.
According to Kuo, Apple may be able to draw in talent by using its public position on robotics.
