According to reports, Apple is exploring humanoid robots

Apple is exploring humanoid and non -humanoid factors, according to<a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://x.com/mingchikuo/status/1889694419907125342?s=61&t=a-bloX1n-TZ50ofqhetO1A”> A new scoop of the former Apple Ming-Chi Kuo analyst. The Intel comes immediately after a research work of the iPhone manufacturer that explores human interactions with “non -anthropomorphic” robots, specifically a pixar -style lamp.

While Apple's research work highlights elements that could inform an eventual consumption robot, the work shines mainly a light on the progress of a company that is still affected in the early stages of research of a complex field. Kuo describes the work as a “early concept of concept”, and adds that the Apple Car project was effectively abandoned at an equally early stage. Citing “current cycles of progress and typical development”, Kuo projects 2028 as an optimistic timeline for mass production.

What makes robots unique compared to other Apple projects in the initial stage, such as a rumored folding iPhone, is the level of transparency of the Apple notoriously tight. (This is the same company that, as part of a legal agreement, recently demanded a public apology of an iOS former engineer who leaked details about the vision pro).

It is inevitable. Progress in robotics is supported by the work of universities and research facilities, together with corporate projects behind the scene. In recent years, many robotics companies have faced difficulties to hire quickly enough to support the release deadlines that have accelerated in the era of generative ai. Posting the research for the public that reads is a great resource to recruit engineers.

Kuo suggests that the use of the “non -anthropomorphic” qualifier research is designed to distinguish the robot from humanoid research.

“While the industry debates the merits of humanoid designs versus non -humanoids,” he writes, “the supply chain verifications indicate that Apple cares more about how users build perception with robots than their physical appearance (… ) which indicates that detection hardware and software serve as central technologies. “

In general terms, “anthropomorphic” can be applied to robotic systems beyond what we could normally classify as humanoid. This includes systems that are influenced by human characteristics but that are not exactly a humanoid one by one with two arms, two legs and one face. Apple seems to be currently in the “launch it on the wall” phase, with a job that goes from simple systems to complex humanoids.

Kuo refers widely to the concept test system as part of a “future intelligent home ecosystem.” That could mean anything, from a complete humanoid designed for domestic tasks to a smart house screen with a mechanical arm. The leaks around the work have suggested the latter, which is much more plausible than getting out of the door with a humanoid capable of folding clothes. Such a product could have a place on a distant road map, but to get there, Apple first needs to show that people want a domestic robot that is not just a vacuum.

Numerous companies that are building industrial humanoids, including 1x, figure and apptronik, are investigating a path from the factory floor to the home. Prices and reliability are two main conflict points. If you believe that the pro vision of $ 3,499 was a pill difficult to swallow, wait until you see the first lot of humanoids for the home. For now, the objective is to obtain reliable humanoid production at the scale, which will reduce the price over time.

After leaving Apple's car and tripping over the door with the intelligence of Vision Pro and Apple, it is fair to assume that Apple is adopting a cautious approach to robots. While Apple has a solid history of popularizing the categories of existing products, Silicon Valley is full of failed homemade robots. You can also say the same of the Smart Home category.

One thing we can say with certainty is that Apple is actively exploring robotics. Beyond that, we can probably expect at least three other years of leaks and speculation.