Home Robots: Apple's New Direction?
Apple has reportedly set its sights on developing home robots as its next major initiative, following the discontinuation of its self-driving car project. The company is currently in the early research stages of developing mobile robots for household use that can follow users around their homes and assist with various tasks, as well as a desktop device that uses robotics to move its display.
Apple's hardware engineering division and AI/machine learning team are overseeing the development of two home robotics projects: a mobile robot that follows users around their home, and a desktop device that can independently move its display. The mobile robot could potentially assist with video conferences, while the smart display could mimic a person's head movements during FaceTime calls.
According to Bloomberg, both projects are still in early research phases and may not ultimately reach consumers, as Apple executives are debating their viability and direction. The smart display robot, capable of moving its screen independently during FaceTime calls, has been added to and removed from the product development list multiple times. Although this project is more advanced than the mobile robot, leadership disagreements have cast doubt on its future. The mobile robot, designed to move around users, is still in a very preliminary research stage with no clear path to market launch.
The pivot toward home robotics follows the discontinuation of the electric car project, which had been in development since 2014 but was recently abandoned, resulting in significant layoffs. This move is part of a broader strategy to explore new product markets and maintain leadership in innovation, especially as other projects like the Vision Pro haven't yet achieved the expected market success.
Apple faces significant challenges in the home robotics market, where major players like Amazon and iRobot are already established. The technical complexity and high costs associated with developing advanced robotic devices may make widespread adoption among average consumers difficult. Additionally, the company must navigate internal disagreements and align the direction of these projects to ensure success.
Apple has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, and while current plans are still in their infancy, it will be worth watching how these projects evolve. Success in the home robotics market could represent a significant step toward the technology of the future.