In a hidden corner of Silicon Valley, far from the spotlight and media hype, one of the most fascinating challenges of our time is taking place. It is here that Apple, the technological giant known for having revolutionized the world of smartphones and computers, is taking its first steps towards a new, ambitious goal: the conquest of the domestic robot market. But the road is full of obstacles and the competition is fierce.
Will the bitten apple be able to repeat the successes of the past (and avoid total flops like the aborted one Apple Car, or difficult starts like the Vision Pro) in such a complex and rapidly evolving sector?
Apple focuses on domestic robots
For what reported da Mark Gurman According to Bloomberg, Apple is exploring the personal robotics sector as a potential new source of revenue. The company has already established teams of engineers dedicated to the development of robotic devices for the home and artificial intelligence software capable of making them useful and functional.
Apple is looking for its “next big thing” and robotics is one of the areas it is focusing on.
Apple's work on home robots takes place in both the hardware engineering division and the artificial intelligence and machine learning group led by John giannandrea.
Home robots and assistant displays
Among the projects in the Bitten Apple construction site there would be a mobile robot, a sort of iPad on wheels that would follow users around the house, allowing them to make video calls, monitor the home and the people present, carry out simple tasks and answer questions.
Apple is also reportedly studying artificial intelligence algorithms to help robots navigate cluttered home spaces. The ultimate goal? That of creating a robot capable of cleaning and carrying out household chores, but at the moment the engineering challenge appears too complex.
Another project would involve an “advanced tabletop home device” in which robotics would be used to move a display. The device, described as a robotic motor on a small stand, would be able to mimic a person's head movements during a FaceTime video call. I hope it's not like that Wehead.
A secret facility for testing robots
To carry out these ambitious plans, Apple has reportedly set up a secret facility designed to resemble the inside of a home, where future home automation products are tested.
There are also other more realistic devices in development, such as an iPad-like home hub device that would serve as a centralized system for controlling smart devices and a version of Apple TV that integrates HomePod speakers and a camera.
Meanwhile, the competition isn't standing by
Apple is not the only company to focus heavily on domestic robots. In fact, it's actually backwards. Amazon has already launched Astro, a very expensive robot ($1.600) capable of moving autonomously around the house, controlling rooms, people and objects remotely and sending alerts in the event of anomalies.
The Sony has been experimenting with home robots. And for a long time. The most famous, you know, is Aibo, the robotic dog designed to behave like a real quadruped with dynamic movements, realistic expressions and interaction with humans.
A fascinating challenge, but still a long one
Apple's work on personal robotics is still in its early stages and it is currently unclear if and when we will see a robot made in Cupertino in our homes.
As it has already demonstrated in the past, Apple has the ability to revolutionize entire industries with its innovative vision and obsessive attention to detail, even if it comes later.
Will we ask Siri to make us coffee one day? Maybe. We'll see.
