Tech Desk
Aug 15, 2024
Apple is moving forward with its project to create a tabletop robotic device for users.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the device is expected to feature a large iPad-like display mounted on a "thin robotic arm" that would let the display tilt up and down and rotate a full 360º.
Moreover, it will serve as a "smart home command centre," a videoconferencing machine for FaceTime calls, and a home security monitoring tool.
Apple’s tabletop robot would leverage Siri and Apple Intelligence, letting it respond to a collection of verbal commands, recognise various voices, and automatically orient the display to face users in the room.
Read more: Apple to launch mixed-reality headset and smart glasses
However, Apple has been playing with the idea for some time. Gurman claimed that Apple has recently prioritised the development of the device, putting it under the purview of Kevin Lynch, Apple's vice president of technology who has supervised such projects as the Apple Watch and Apple's defunct self-driving car venture.
Apple is planning to release a tabletop robot in 2026 or 2027 and the main focus is to get the price down to around $1,000, though plans may change as development proceeds.
