Tech giant Apple is reportedly exploring both humanoid and non-humanoid robots, with key focus on its future smart home ecosystem.
TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared on X (formerly Twitter) that Apple is developing sensing hardware and software as the foundation for its potential robotics products, according to Benzinga.
What to expect?
Currently, the products are in early proof-of-concept (POC) stage internally, Kuo shared on the social media platform.
The analyst said that Apple appears to prioritise how users interact with robots over their physical design, focusing on anthropomorphic traits rather than strictly humanoid forms. Supply chain insights suggest the company is investing heavily in sensing hardware and software, positioning them as the core technologies for its robotics development, added the expert.
Timeline for the products
The timeline for these products varies from POC to formal kick-off.
Taking into consideration the current progress made in the project and the typical development cycles, the mass production of the robots is not likely to start until 2028 or even later than that, Kuo stated.
“Interestingly, Apple has been unusually open about sharing some of its robotics research during the early POC stage—possibly to attract talent,” he added.
What is POC?
While taking about Apple’s product development, experts often discuss different stages, such as NPI and EVT.
POC, meanwhile, is the company’s testing ground and is the stage when it verifies whether the product idea is viable to move ahead with formal kick-off.
For example, the highly talked about foldable phone from Apple currently remains in the POC stage, according to Kuo.
He added that there are several projects that have not been able to go beyond this stage. This includes Apple Car, which got stuck at this stage only.
Apple’s humanoid and non-humanoid robots
According to Benzinga, Apple is considering different types of robotic systems that range from simple devices to complex humanoids. This is being done as part of the company’s future smart home ecosystem.
Recently, Apple’s Machine Learning Research shared a video featuring a robot that resembled with the Pixar lamp. At present, it is believed to be working on a smart home tabletop robot. It is being said that the product will be equipped with a robotic arm as well as an iPad-like display.
Through its different ventures into the robotics segment, the company looks forward to compete with Elon Musk owned-Tesla and its humanoid robot Optimus.
FAQs
1. When will Apple begin mass production of its robots?
As of now, Apple is in early proof-of-concept (POC) stage internally for humanoid and non-humanoid robots.
2. Will Apple release foldable phone in future?
Ming-Chi Kuo said that the foldable phone from Apple is in the POC stage for now.
