Recently, rumors about Apple developing home robots, including humanoid robots, have stirred the tech community. This information originated from a post by analyst Ming-Chi Kuo on Twitter, stating that Apple is researching types of robots for its smart home ecosystem. However, according to Kuo, this product is still in the early idea stage and is unlikely to launch before 2028.
Rumor or Reality?
After Apple CEO #TimCook tweeted that users should "prepare to welcome a new member of the family" at the upcoming product launch event, many speculated that it could be Apple's robot. However, most opinions suggest the company is only preparing to launch a new version of the iPhone SE.
Despite this, Ming-Chi Kuo, known for his accurate predictions about Apple products due to insider information from the Asian supply chain, has raised hopes by stating: "Apple is more interested in how users perceive robots than in their appearance."
Competition in the Humanoid Robot Race
The race to develop humanoid robots is heating up in the tech industry. Companies like Tesla, Nvidia, Boston Dynamics, and even Meta are heavily investing in this field. Elon Musk even predicts that the number of robots could surpass the human population by 2040.
However, Kuo warns that not every idea becomes reality, citing the car project of #Apple that has been stuck in the idea stage. He also noted that Apple uses the term "anthropomorphic" rather than "humanoid," which may signal that the first product will perform household tasks without needing to resemble a human.
Apple's Step-by-Step Roadmap
According to tech expert Robert Scoble, Apple will not rush to launch humanoid robots immediately. Instead, the company may introduce smaller robots with simple functions to gradually familiarize users with the concept of home robots.
Scoble also mentioned Apple's robot lamp, introduced in a study by the Machine Learning department earlier this year, as a small but promising step in building Apple's image as a robotics company.
Can Apple Change the Game?
Nonetheless, industry experts believe that the humanoid robot field is still far from achieving a high level. Professor Sean Ren from USC stated: "Currently, the intelligence of these robots is equivalent to ChatGPT when it comes to thinking and decision-making capabilities."
Phil Elmer-Dewitt, manager of Apple 3.0 blog, even stated: "If Apple launches a humanoid robot in 2028, or even 2038, I will eat my hat."
Conclusion
Apple may be quietly researching home robots, but the chance of a launch is still far off. The company may take small steps to gradually familiarize users with this idea before moving on to more capable robots.
Regardless of the truth, this rumor has certainly sparked great curiosity and may influence the direction of the tech industry in the future.