Apple accelerates the development of non-anthropomorphic robots: smart home innovation may be welcomed in 2028

Well-known analyst Guo Mingchi recently revealed that Apple is stepping up the development of humanoid and non-humanoid robots and regarding them as a core component of the future ecosystem of smart homes. The news follows Apple's research paper, which explores how humans interact with "non-anthropomorphic" robots, such as Pixar-style desk lamps, showing Apple's high attention to the perception of robots' interactions with users.

Although the project is still in an early proof of concept, Kuo pointed out that Apple's robotics technology is expected to usher in mass production in 2028, and the timeline is similar to the early development stage of Apple's car project. This progress marks the gradual entry of Apple's robotics into the public eye and may lay a technical foundation for the future consumer-grade robot market.

Open and transparent R&D strategies to attract top engineers

Apple's R&D strategy this time is outstanding in transparency, in sharp contrast to its consistent confidentiality culture. Guo Mingchi believes that an important reason for Apple's public research results is its hope to attract top global engineers to join its robotics projects, especially in the context of the current talent shortage of artificial intelligence and robotics industries. By publishing research papers, Apple not only enhances its interactions with the outside world, but also demonstrates its technological leadership in emerging fields.

"Non-anthropomorphic" design leads, sensing hardware and software as the core

Apple's robot research and development emphasizes "non-anthropomorphic" design, focusing on the interactive perception between robots and users, rather than the appearance and humanized characteristics of the robot. Guo Mingchi said that Apple's goal is to build robots into useful assistants in smart homes, rather than pursuing complex humanoid robots. This means that the core of robotics will focus on innovation in sensors, hardware and software rather than form factor design.

The current leaked information shows that Apple is more inclined to develop non-anthropomorphic robots similar to smart home displays, and this choice is more in line with real-world market demand than humanoid robots. The home robot market is still in its infancy, and consumers have low acceptance of complex humanoid robots, while non-anthropomorphic robots have more advantages in cost, functionality and market acceptance.

Robot market faces challenges, but Apple still bet on innovation

At present, many companies are also exploring the introduction of industrial robot technology into the home scenario. Well-known companies such as 1X, Figure and Apptronik are committed to promoting humanoid robots to the home market. However, price and reliability remain the main challenges facing home robots. Taking Apple's Vision Pro as an example, its high price also reflects the cost problems that high-end home robots may face.

Although Silicon Valley has failed to launch home robots many times, Apple remains cautious in the field of robots and seeks breakthroughs through technological innovation, striving to open up a new market space. In the next few years, with the release of more leaked information, the progress of Apple's robot project will become the focus of attention in the technology community. Whether Apple can succeed in this emerging market is worth looking forward to.