Apple, Inc. APPLICATIONwhich is looking for its next big thing after its flagship product, the iPhone, is considering launching a range of products based on robotics, according to Bloomberg columnist Mark Gurman wrote on Sunday.
What happened: Apple’s self-driving car fiasco may not be a complete failure, as the technology behind the concept of the “giant rolling robot” that was the car could be applied to other areas, Gurman said in his latest weekly Power On newsletter. After burning through a billion dollars of cash annually for about a decade, Cupertino put its Apple Car project on hold as the focus shifted to generative artificial intelligence.
The company has begun thinking about other products that could move around using robots, Gurman said, adding that they are still in the early stages of figuring out how best to use robots.
In the near future, Apple plans to launch a desktop device codenamed J595 that will likely have a “large, iPad-like display with cameras and a base with a robotic drive,” Gurman wrote. He expects the product to launch in 2026 or 2027.
Mobile robots and possibly even humanoid models are likely to follow in the next decade. Elon Musk-led Tesla develops a humanoid robot called Optimus.
Gurman said Kevin Lynch, who previously led the car team as well as watch software development, is leading the robotics project and working with Apple’s AI chief. The company has recruited top robotics experts from places like the Technion in Israel, he said.
A key task in robotics is the creation of personality, and Apple is working on another human-like interface based on generative artificial intelligence, Gurman said.
See also: Everything you need to know about Apple stock
Possible use cases: With robotics. Apple has set out to solve a number of first-world problems, Gurman said. Some of the use cases the Apple specialist mentioned are:
- Access devices located in another room
- Taking photos of things or starting a video conference session when a user is not holding a device or sitting directly in front of it
- Operate or check something in the house while on the go.
Gurman also raised the possibility of attaching a robotic limb to the iPad, which could make the device more useful for video conferencing or searching for recipes online. Apple also has plans to launch machines that can handle household chores like loading a washing machine or scrubbing dirty dishes, but that could be a long time coming since those ideas haven’t progressed beyond sketches on whiteboards, he said.
The columnist expects the project to get a boost from advances in artificial intelligence technology. Apple’s expertise in sensors, advanced silicon, hardware engineering and batteries, as well as its ability to map the space around devices, could also be useful, he said.
Why it is important: The timing may be ideal for Apple to work on robotics, as the shelved car project could free up hundreds of engineers with experience in self-driving technology and robotic systems to vigorously pursue the idea, Gurman said.
With a successful robotic device, Apple could succeed in the smart home market, where the company ranks behind Amazon and Alphabet’s Google, he said. “The desktop device could be the thing that finally helps Apple’s home devices stand out,” he added.
The setbacks: Robots are currently expensive and most consumers may not be ready to embrace the concept, Gurman said. He also sees a need to solve technical problems, such as developing hardware that can successfully move through crowded spaces and navigate multi-story buildings.
For the plan to bear fruit, Apple may also need more talent, including many more engineers.
But insiders at Apple believe that this plan is promising. “If the company really wants to find a new way into customers’ lives, robotics could be the most sensible solution,” says Gurman.
Apple closed Friday’s session up 1.03% at $226..84, according to Benzinga Pro data.
For more of Benzinga’s consumer tech coverage, visit this link.
Read more:
Market news and data provided by Benzinga APIs
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
