Apple ❤️ robots

Cupertino's searching for its next big thing.

In partnership with

That cute little robolamp shown off recently by Apple’s machine-learning researchers might be just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the company’s robotics ambitions.

Apple is keenly interested in developing household robots, both humanoid and non-humanoid, according to a new report.

Apple seems focused on making sure its bots interact in fun and lifelike ways. That spark of humanity — like the way the robolamp appears happy to help, or sad when it’s left out of travel plans — could set Apple’s robots apart.

While the world’s already used to round robovacs and terrifying robodogs, Apple keeps dreaming big. The company reportedly envisions machines that could handle common household chores, like loading a clothes washer or cleaning filthy plates.

It’s all part of a plan to expand Apple’s footprint in the smart home of the future as the company searches for its next big thing.

Highly reliable TF International Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says Apple’s robotic efforts remain in the proof-of-concept stage. (That means they likely wouldn’t arrive before 2028.) He also implies that providing the world with that amusing video of the robotic lamp — a rare glimpse at such an early prototype — might have been a calculated decision aimed at attracting top engineering talent.

The video of the adorable robolamp, which looks a lot like Pixar’s lovable Luxo Jr., effectively announces: Yes, Apple really is getting into robots.

Also in today’s newsletter:

— Lewis Wallace, managing editor

A message from The AI Report

There’s a reason 400,000 professionals read this daily.

Join The AI Report, trusted by 400,000+ professionals at Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI. Get daily insights, tools, and strategies to master practical AI skills that drive results.

A message from Vidnoz AI

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Tweets of the day

Wallpaper of the day

One more thing ...

Computers and society are out on a first date in the '80s. We have a chance to make these things beautiful, and we have a chance to communicate something through the design of the objects themselves. We feel that for some crazy reason, we're in the right place at the right time.

— Steve Jobs, 1983.

Today’s poll

Do you think Apple should get into robotics?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Results from yesterday’s poll: Are you going to buy the new Powerbeats Pro 2?

Best reader comments

Subscribe to The Weekender — Get the week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.

Reply

or to participate.