Apple has always been obsessed with launching revolutionary products that can become hugely successful revenue generators. The iPhone is currently their most lucrative product, accounting for over half of annual sales. However, the tech giant is always on the lookout for what could become their next ‘$100 billion business’. Their electric self-driving car project, dubbed ‘Project Titan,’ was envisioned as one such product but has now been scrapped. Now, Apple seems to have turned its focus to home robotics.
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Apple Explorations In Home Robotics
Sources familiar with Apple’s plans have revealed that the company is exploring home robots as a potential new product category. It makes sense for Apple to look at robotics since the home is where many of their current devices are used. Reports indicate they have been working on robotic concepts for the past few years. Under former Tesla engineering head Doug Field, a team at Apple began researching areas like indoor drones and home robots in 2019. After Field’s departure in 2021, Apple shifted its focus to home robotics. Many believe that some staff from Apple have allocated some staff from Project Titan to this new focus.
Apple Upcoming Home Robots
Apple is investigating two kinds of home robots – a mobile robot that can follow users around and a smart display robot. The mobile robot concept explores using artificial intelligence to help such devices navigate cluttered indoor environments. The display robot explores advanced interactions using computer vision and spatial awareness.
Apple Plans to Integrate AI to Power Home Robotics
While home robots are not entirely new, popular examples have so far been limited to vacuum cleaning devices. Apple seems to want to develop more sophisticated and multi-functional robots. One early idea was a robot capable of doing chores like cleaning dishes as well as enabling video calls. However, the technical challenges involved were deemed too difficult within the next decade. The company now appears focused on developing AI and navigation abilities that can power interactive home robots and experiences.
Laying The Groundwork
Even though Project Titan ended up, it helped lay the foundations for Apple’s current robotics research. Neural engine chips are now present in iPhones and Macs, accelerating AI capabilities. Apple will adapt core technologies like SafetyOS, an operating system tailored for self-driving functions, in home robotics. Staff from Titan have also transitioned to Apple’s home products division to help build out robotics initiatives.
Filling The Void Left By Project Titan
The shutdown of the much-hyped car project left a large void in terms of growth potential. A self-driving iCar may have generated hundreds of billions in new revenues annually for Apple. Home robots could emerge as an alternative product category to fill this gap if successfully developed. However, robotics introduces major engineering challenges compared to consumer electronics. Moreover, Apple will need to push the boundaries of human-robot interaction and onboard intelligence if their home robots are to become mainstream and compete with existing devices like the Roomba vacuum cleaner.
Apple Ongoing Research With Home Robotics
So far, Apple home robotics efforts remain in very early research phases, according to sources. Details on prototypes or target release timelines are unclear. However, the company continues to recruit experts in robotics, AI, and related domains. If developments proceed well, home robots could potentially become new Apple products within this decade. However, robotics is an unpredictable field with numerous technical barriers. Only time will tell if Apple can translate its current explorations into commercially viable home robots touted as the iPhone-level successor they clearly desire.
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