Apple, known for its iconic iPhone, is reportedly looking beyond its flagship product and delving into the world of robotics. According to Bloomberg columnist Mark Gurman, the company is exploring a range of robotic devices, potentially leveraging the technology developed for its abandoned self-driving car project. While the Apple Car project was ultimately shelved after a decade of development, the company’s investment in autonomous driving technology and artificial intelligence (AI) may now translate into a new era of robotics.
Gurman reveals that Apple is currently working on a tabletop device codenamed J595. This device is envisioned to feature a large, iPad-like display, cameras, and a robotic base with actuators. It is expected to launch in 2026 or 2027, potentially serving as a stepping stone for a broader range of robotic products.
Apple’s robotics ambitions extend beyond tabletop devices. Gurman suggests that the company is exploring the development of mobile robots and even humanoid models within the next decade. This aligns with the growing interest in robotics across various industries, and Apple’s move could significantly impact the smart home market. The company has already hired top robotics experts from institutions like Technion in Israel and is investing heavily in AI, a key component of advanced robotics.
The potential applications of Apple’s robotics ventures are wide-ranging. Gurman envisions use cases like interacting with devices left in another room, taking photos or initiating video calls without holding a device, and remotely controlling appliances or checking on things at home. The concept of a robotic limb attached to an iPad could further enhance the device’s capabilities for tasks like video conferencing or browsing recipes.
Apple’s foray into robotics is not without its challenges. The cost of developing and manufacturing advanced robots is high, and consumer adoption remains a question mark. Technical hurdles also exist, such as ensuring robots can navigate cluttered spaces and complex buildings effectively. However, Apple’s expertise in areas like sensors, silicon, hardware engineering, and battery technology, combined with its experience in spatial mapping, could give it a competitive edge in the robotics field.
For Apple, the timing of this robotics push could be strategic. The company has a pool of experienced engineers who worked on the self-driving car project, providing a readily available talent pool. A successful entry into robotics could further strengthen Apple’s presence in the smart home market, where it currently lags behind competitors like Amazon and Google. While the path to success is not guaranteed, Apple’s robotics ambitions are certainly noteworthy and could potentially reshape its product portfolio and market influence.
