Apple, Is Robotics the Next Big Thing?

Autonomous Electric Car Failed
But 'Self-Moving Apple Product' Remains the Goal

Apple, which abandoned its autonomous electric vehicle project, is reportedly pushing forward with the development of robotics products as a ‘new growth engine.’

Bloomberg reported on the 25th (local time) that "Apple’s autonomous vehicle project failed, but the vision for ‘self-moving Apple products’ remains valid," adding, "Apple is highly likely to launch robotics products around 2026-2027." Sources explained that Apple plans to introduce mobile robots and humanoid models within 10 years after the robotics product launch.

Earlier, in April, Bloomberg also reported citing sources that Apple engineers were secretly working on a project to develop a mobile robot that follows users at home, alongside the development of a desktop smart display.

Currently, Apple is focusing on what new experiences its products can create by moving autonomously. While it has succeeded in deeply integrating into consumers’ lives through iPhone, iPad, Mac, and others, internally, there has been a thirst for innovation beyond that. In this process, the autonomous electric vehicle project was halted earlier this year, and as hundreds of autonomous driving and robotic system engineers became idle, voices within the organization have emerged saying that now is the optimal time to develop robotics products.

Bloomberg stated, "The project started in 2020," and explained, "Apple’s initial robotics model, codenamed J595, will be a tabletop product combining a display similar to an iPad with a robotic arm." Through the robotic arm, it will be possible to perform simple web searches or move the screen on behalf of the user, as well as prepare for video conferences. Apple’s artificial intelligence (AI) system, ‘Apple Intelligence,’ is also expected to be installed.

Apple’s robotics product development is led by Kevin Lynch, Vice President of Technology, and it has been confirmed that robotics experts from around the world are joining this project. Bloomberg noted, "Currently, Apple is trailing Amazon and Google in the smart home market," and pointed out, "If the robotics products succeed, it will help Apple establish itself in the smart home market."