Apple robots as smart helpers – what can we really expect? Apfelpatient

Apple is known for its well-thought-out and innovative products. Now there are reports that the company is working on robots that are designed to make everyday life easier. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes that Apple is researching both humanoid and non-humanoid robots. However, these projects are still at a very early stage. A market launch is not expected until 2028 at the earliest, if at all. The information comes from various sources, including Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, who reported on an Apple table robot as early as 2024. This could function as a kind of intelligent smart home assistant. Much is still unclear, but there are already exciting details about the possible functions and the development of this new product category.

Apple only brings new products to market when they are fully developed. The company rarely takes big risks and often tests ideas for years before they actually go into production. Apple also follows this approach in robotics. While other companies like Tesla are experimenting with humanoid robots, Apple seems to be taking a more pragmatic direction for now. According to reports, the company is testing both robots with human-like movements and devices that function more as smart assistants for the home. The table robot, which is said to be equipped with a movable display, is the focus of particular attention.

Apple's robotics projects: What is known so far

Two different types of robots in development

Ming-Chi Kuo goes assume that Apple is currently working on two different types of robots:

Humanoid robots: These should be able to perform human-like movements and possibly move independently through space.
Non-humanoid robots: One example is the table robot, which could be designed as an intelligent helper for everyday life.

The table robot as the first market-ready product?

According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple has been working on a tabletop robot with an iPad-like display for some time. This is to be attached to a robotic arm and offer various smart functions. The robot could respond to voice commands, facilitate video calls and be networked with other Apple devices. One of the most interesting functions is said to be facial recognition. The robot could automatically align the screen so that it focuses on the user's face - for example during a FaceTime call. The device should also be able to recognize different voices and display personalized information. This robot could be a more expensive version of an already planned smart home hub that Apple may introduce in 2025. more about it hereAccording to current estimates, the price of the table robot will be around 1,000 US dollars.

Still years away from market launch

Although Apple has already developed prototypes, Ming-Chi Kuo does not expect the robots to come onto the market in the near future. The project is currently still in the proof-of-concept stage. This means that Apple is still examining whether and how such devices can be integrated into the existing product portfolio. Kuo assumes that Apple could begin mass production in 2028 at the earliest - if the company even decides to implement it. The long development times are typical for Apple. With other products, such as the Vision Pro or the Apple Watch, years often passed between the first reports and the final market launch.

What does this mean for the future of Apple and Smart Home?

If Apple's robots actually come onto the market, the company could open up a completely new market. Smart assistants with robotics technology could automate households and make everyday life easier. The integration of Siri and Apple Intelligence could play a central role. Robots that not only respond to voice commands but also complete tasks independently or communicate with other Apple devices are conceivable.

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When will the Apple robot arrive? Time will tell

The development of robots is a long-term project and there is no guarantee that Apple will actually bring a finished product to market. However, the table robot could be a first step in combining smart home technology with robotics. Whether and when Apple will actually introduce a robot for the mass market remains to be seen. The only thing that is certain is that the company is working on new concepts and exploring various possibilities. However, it will still be years before a possible market launch. (Photo by Unsplash+ / Sumaid pal Singh Bakshi)