Thought Leadership
According to the well-known Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is working on both humanoid and non-humanoid robot concepts.
These findings are supported by a recently published research paper by the company, which deals with human-robot interaction – specifically using the example of a desk lamp based on Pixar designs. The unusual transparency of the otherwise secretive company is surprising.
Cautious approach according to Vision Pro
After the bumpy market launches of the Vision Pro and Apple Intelligence as well as the discontinued car project, the company is proceeding cautiously this time. Kuo classifies the work to date as “early concept studies”. Even with an optimistic estimate, a series product is not expected before 2028.
Apple seems to be concentrating less on the external appearance of the robots. Instead, the focus is on human-robot interaction and the underlying sensor and software technology. The experiments range from simple systems to complex humanoid robots.
Smart home as a possible area of application
Kuo cites the “future smart home ecosystem” as the most likely area of application. The range of possible products is broad: intelligent assistance systems that can interact with their environment using moving components are conceivable, for example. A fully-fledged household robot that folds laundry or puts away the dishes, on the other hand, is probably still a long way off.
Pricing remains a key challenge. If the Vision Pro for 3,499 dollars caused many people to frown, the first generation of household robots is likely to be priced significantly higher.
