When I first laid eyes on the $16,000 Unitree Robotics G1, I couldn’t help but fantasize about a future where AI humanoid robots seamlessly integrate into our smart homes. Imagine a robot capable of performing everyday chores with the ease of a human, understanding voice commands as naturally as conversing with another person. Advanced AI algorithms would enable this futuristic helper to interact brilliantly with other smart devices, managing household tasks with finesse.
It’s a thrilling concept to envision, and one that I hope big tech players, especially Apple, will bring to life. Being an avid user of Apple’s ecosystem, I could see myself comfortably adapting to an Apple-branded AI humanoid robot, just as I have with their iPhones, iPads, and HomePods.
Interestingly, it appears Apple might already be exploring this very notion. Although concrete release plans are premature, intriguing information has recently surfaced. This speculation comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who shed light on Apple’s potential robotics ambitions in his latest Power On newsletter.
According to Gurman, Apple has been in search of a breakthrough product following the discontinuation of the Apple Car project, a venture that, in essence, was posited as a “giant rolling robot.” Transitioning into advanced robotics seems like a logical evolution, particularly in this era marked by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence.
Gurman previously suggested that Apple is contemplating a home robot, envisioned as an enhanced iPad capable of following users around. This proposed device, estimated to be priced around $1,000, could hit the market in 2026 or 2027. However, it’s crucial to note that this isn’t the fully functional AI humanoid robot that many, including myself, dream of—one that could handle complex household chores. Instead, this early iteration aims to make the functionality of a computer more accessible in scenarios where traditional interaction methods are inconvenient.
The prospect of a chore-performing humanoid robot is still very much in the conceptual stage at Apple. According to Gurman, such robots, envisioned to load laundry machines or scrub plates, are ideas that currently exist only as sketches on a whiteboard. Realistically, we might not see these sophisticated household assistants until the next decade, if Apple decides to pursue this path.
Moreover, Apple is reportedly developing a new, more sophisticated personality for its devices, beyond what Siri currently offers. This “humanlike interface,” based on generative AI, could potentially be implemented in the forthcoming tabletop iPad robot and other Apple products. Such a development might even rival ChatGPT’s Voice Mode and Gemini Live in terms of user interaction.
Integrating these advanced AI personalities into humanoid robots seems like a natural progression, but it’s a feat easier envisioned than executed. Apple could leverage the expertise of engineers from its abandoned car project, yet creating a reliable AI humanoid robot capable of navigating and performing tasks within a home environment is a Herculean task. These robots will require intricate engineering and are likely to come with a hefty price tag. The Unitree Robotics G1, priced at $16,000, offers a glimpse into the cost and complexity we might expect from future household robots.
In conclusion, while the dream of an AI humanoid robot by Apple might be a long way off, the technological advancements and the company’s rumored explorations provide an exciting glimpse into what could one day be a reality. As AI continues to evolve, the enchanted vision of an intelligent, chore-performing companion in our homes seems less like science fiction and more like an eventuality awaiting us just over the horizon.