Apple’s rumored plans to create a mobile robot that can follow users around their homes seem to be a departure from its previous attempts to develop a car. The tech giant is reportedly exploring new areas for its “next big thing” and has been working on several prototypes that could potentially transform the way people live and interact with technology in their daily lives.
According to Mark Gurman, a prominent Apple tipster, the company is currently developing a mobile robot that can move around a person’s home and perform various tasks. While it’s unclear whether Apple is aiming to create a device similar to Amazon’s Astro home robot, which can perform basic tasks like security monitoring and video calls, Gurman suggests that the company’s engineers have been exploring more ambitious ideas.
One such idea involves creating a robot that can handle chores like cleaning dishes in a sink. However, this would require overcoming significant engineering challenges and is unlikely to be achieved in the near future. Instead, Apple’s engineers have allegedly been developing an advanced table-top home device that uses robotics to move a display around. This device would allow for more advanced features like mimicking head movements during video calls and locking onto a single person in a group when they speak.
Apple’s Ambitious Plans for a Home Robot Revolution
The robotic smart display idea has reportedly been in and out of favor at Apple over the years, but with the rapid advancement of generative AI technology, there may be renewed interest in developing a device that can utilize AI smarts. While the work is still in its early stages, Apple’s current call for robot specialists suggests that the company is taking the idea seriously.
Apple has also been testing prototypes for the home robot project at its secret facility near its Cupertino, California campus. The facility, designed to look like the inside of a house, allows Apple engineers to test proposed devices in a real-life environment and gather feedback from users.
The possibility of Apple releasing a home robot in the future is still uncertain, but the company’s recent hiring spree for robot specialists suggests that it is actively exploring the technology. The robot industry is growing rapidly, with companies like iRobot and Neato already producing advanced robots that can perform a variety of tasks.
Apple’s plans for a home robot seem to be a significant departure from its previous attempts to develop a car. While the details of the project are still unclear, it’s clear that Apple is exploring the technology and has already developed several prototypes that could potentially transform the way people live and interact with technology in their daily lives. As the company continues to push the boundaries of robotics and AI, it will be interesting to see what new and innovative products emerge from Apple’s secretive research and development labs.
