Robotics is one area of interest for Apple as it searches for its “next big thing,” according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple's engineering team is developing a range of its own robotic devices, as well as AI software and features that could add value to home robots.
Apple's current AI director is John Giannandrea, who oversees the robot's development in collaboration with Apple's hardware division and machine learning teams.
Given the amount of attention being paid to Apple's 2024 WWDC event, we may already be seeing the announcement of Apple's smart home robots. These smart home robots from Apple will help enhance the way you navigate your home.
For example, IT experts point out that the acquisition of humanoid robots puts Apple in a position to revolutionize the technology market. Critics and analysts say that many of the existing robots are very invasive and very cumbersome. Meanwhile, Apple's use of AI technology could lead to advances in personal robots and smart homes. Gurman also said that Apple's humanoid robots may take decades to develop. Meanwhile, small robots or robots with arms and iPad displays could be on the way in a year or two.
Industry response
“Apple's actions will likely accelerate innovation and inspire rivals to step up their efforts in robotics and AI. The industry is likely to see significant growth and may even revolutionize simple aspects of life, like getting up in the morning, making them more efficient and beneficial.” Devroop Dhar, co-founder and managing director at Primus Partners, strongly agrees that “Apple's entry is moving the tech industry, and electronics in particular, towards a future where intelligent and connected devices are integrated into everyday life.”
Rajesh Kumar, Robotics and AI Architect at Addverb, noted that as technology advances in areas like mobile grabbing, navigation, and generative AI, a new generation of personal, multi-functional smart home robots by Apple will emerge within the next decade and transform lifestyles.
Finally, Siddharth Chandrashekhar, Advocate-General of the Bombay High Court, clarified that Apple will have to memorize the data that will be collected, processed and stored under the proposed concept called AI-powered Apple smart home robot and comply with the DPDP, a new law that claims to regulate data protection in India till date.
Mobile robot
Apple is rumored to be developing a rubber-skinned mobile robot that would follow customers around their homes, acting as a sort of iPad on wheels. Among the functions the robot would likely be able to perform are making FaceTime calls, monitoring home occupants, performing simple tasks, and answering questions.
Apple is trying to develop a robot that can clean and do household chores, like Rosie from The Jetsons, but the technology is too complicated for now. Apple is also rumored to be working on AI algorithms to help the robot navigate crowded situations in the home. Gurman said such a robot is unlikely to be developed this decade because it would pose “enormous engineering challenges.”
Tabletop Robot
“Advanced Tabletop Home Device,” which uses robotics to move a display, is the name given to another Apple project. The device mimics a person's head movements during a FaceTime video chat. It features a robotic motor on a small base. It can precisely lock onto one person and nod during a group FaceTime call. Gurman said the Cupertino-based tech company has always had issues with balance and weight, so he's not sure customers would “pay for” such a product.
Unlike Apple's mobile robot, the robot display has been “in and out of the company's plans” multiple times, but current speculation suggests that the project is much further along than Apple's mobile robot.
Secret House Facility
Apple will be testing its next generation of household products in a tiny secret base designed to resemble a home.
Other household appliances
But Apple is developing a lot more than that, with products reportedly in the works including: an iPad-like home automation device that will act as a command center for your smart home devices; there are also rumors that Apple plans to release a HomePod with a screen, and that an Apple TV with integrated speakers and cameras is in the works.
Conclusion
Apple's smart home robots have established the market with plans to introduce a range of gadgets, including mobile, desktop, and household smart robots. Such robots have many features to implement the above-mentioned functions, such as making FaceTime calls, monitoring residents, and responding to questions. However, Apple is still facing some technological hurdles in achieving innovations such as creating a cleaning robot that can move around and clean the house, just like Rosie from the Jetsons cartoon. Nevertheless, the insights provided in this paper suggest that Apple's entry into the smart home robot market could help spur much-needed advanced research and development in the industry.