Apple has revealed a prototype for a playful robot assistant designed for the desk, showcasing its potential to assist with various tasks while exhibiting almost human-like qualities.
The robot, featured on Apple's "Machine Learning Research" blog, is depicted in a video as a desk lamp mounted on a swivel arm, equipped with a projector and other features. While the final product's design remains uncertain, the current lamp-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the Pixar studio logo and aims to convey a similar playful demeanor through its human-like gestures.
The video initially demonstrates basic functionalities: a tester reads a book, and as she moves it on the desk, the lamp follows, providing light. Subsequently, the tester instructs the robot to illuminate a different location using gestures, which the machine successfully interprets. Prior rumors suggested Apple's development of a desk assistant powered by the Apple Intelligence AI tool.
Apple developers prioritize the robot's ability to "express emotions," fostering a stronger bond with users. In one scene, the tester inquires about the weather. While Siri would simply provide an online response, the smart desk lamp first looks out the window, mimicking the act of observing the sky, before turning back and delivering the weather report.
Throughout the video, the lamp displays a range of quasi-human emotions, including curiosity, disappointment, and concern. The developers describe this as an "expressive" robot in contrast to a purely functional assistant. The device generally responds to activities, projecting instructions onto the wall, playing music, and even "dancing" when the situation seems appropriate.
The video accompanies a scientific paper authored by the participating Apple developers, focusing on human-computer interaction. Their findings indicate that users develop a stronger connection and greater appreciation for robots exhibiting human-like gestures. The implications for a future Apple product remain to be seen. Reports suggest that the robot assistant, in whatever form it takes, could launch as early as 2026.