Apple is secretly developing a desktop robot with a target price of around $1,000
2024-08-28
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Apple's first robot test sample is code-named J595, a desktop robot that will combine a large iPad-style display, a camera and a base with robotic actuators.
As global technology giants rush to enter the robotics field, Apple seems to be secretly planning to enter the home robot market. According to a Bloomberg report on August 25, Apple is exploring the field of robotics, hoping to find "revolutionary innovations" for its current product ecosystem. It is reported that unlike the currently widely discussed humanoid robots, Apple's focus is on developing a desktop robot suitable for consumer home scenarios.
Apple's first robot test sample is codenamed J595. The desktop robot will combine a large iPad-style display, a camera, and a base with robotic actuators. The above report predicts that the product will be available in 2026 or 2027, and Apple may still launch mobile robots or even humanoid robots in the next decade. The report mentioned that Apple hopes to reduce its price to around $1,000, but since it is still a few years away from the expected release, this plan may theoretically change.
Apple believes that desktop robotics technology can solve a range of home scenarios. For example, adding a robotic arm to an iPad can allow the robot to automatically take photos, browse the web, or start a video call when a person is not holding the device or sitting directly in front of it; people can still use the device at home through the robot when they are out.
Apple imagines that this desktop robot product may go further and has imagined machines that can do household chores, such as loading the washing machine or scrubbing dirty dishes, but these are still ideas for the future. For now, Apple is still in the early stages of exploring the field of robotics, with only one test sample, but a successful robotic device could help Apple eventually enter the smart home field.
Apple lags behind Amazon.com and Google in the field of artificial intelligence. Desktop devices may help Apple stand out in the home product ecosystem. Currently, Tesla tends to quickly enter the industrial field through humanoid robots, while Apple chooses to combine robotics technology with existing consumer products to enhance the user experience in home scenarios.
Apple's main work on the robot is led by Kevin Lynch, Apple's vice president of technology, who previously led the automotive team and watch software engineering. The hardware engineering group is also involved, and Matt Costello, the executive who led the development of Apple's HomePod smart speaker, is responsible for overseeing the hardware aspects of the project.
Apple's head of mergers and acquisitions, Adrian Perica, met with global robotics giant Boston Dynamics several years ago to discuss a potential acquisition. However, people involved in Apple's robotics work say that while the field is promising, there are also many reasons to be skeptical. Apple has failed in its self-driving car project and has also been in trouble with the development of its augmented reality glasses (Vision Pro). The extent of Apple's commitment to bringing robotics products to market is currently unclear.
It is reported that Apple will hold a press conference with the theme of "Its Glowtime" at 1:00 am Beijing time on September 10, and is expected to launch the iPhone 16 series, Apple Watch and new AirPods. Its robot product line may also be mentioned. Although Apple's J595 project has not yet reached the official release stage, this exploration of Apple is undoubtedly an important signal for its entry into new fields.
Mark Gurman, who has been following Apple for a long time, believes that Apple's exploration of the field of robotics is one of the few ways for it to create new sources of income. However, it is certain that Apple and the rest of the robotics industry still have a long way to go. "To be honest, the robots on the market today are expensive, not very smart, and lack capabilities. For now, this technology will be very expensive for Apple to manufacture and for consumers," said Mark Gurman.
Intern Wang Chun, The Paper reporter Yu Yan
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