Focusing solely on Tesla? If the automotive industry doesn't work out, Apple is eyeing robotics

After burning money at a rate of $1 billion per year for ten years, Apple has shelved the Apple Car project and shifted its focus to robot technology based on generative AI.

On Sunday, Bloomberg columnist Mark Gurman stated in his latest Power On newsletter that while Apple's self-driving car project may have failed, it might not be a complete failure as the technology developed during the car project could be applied to other areas. Apple is considering launching a range of products based on robot technology.

Gurman mentioned that in the short term, Apple plans to release a desktop device with the codename J595, which may feature a large display similar to an iPad, a camera, and a base with a robot arm. Gurman expects this product to be launched in 2026 or 2027.

On August 26th, Gurman posted on social media, "An important part of Apple's robot manufacturing is creating the personality of the robot. Apple is developing generative AI-based humanoid interfaces that can run on desktops and other future Apple robot devices."

Interestingly, despite shelving the self-driving car project, Apple is still competing with Tesla, as Tesla is also developing a humanoid robot named Optimus.

For Apple, now may be the best time to research robot technology, as they can hire hundreds of engineers with experience in autonomous driving technology and robotics, who now have time to actively research robots due to the shelved car project. Apple's expertise in sensors, hardware engineering, battery technology, and spatial awareness around devices may also come into play.

Apple has already hired top robot experts from places like the Israel Institute of Technology. Kevin Lynch, who previously led the Apple car team and watch software engineering, is currently leading the robot team and serving as the head of artificial intelligence.

So, what can Apple's robots do?

Gurman mentioned that Apple is addressing a range of market concerns, with some potential uses including: helping users fetch items from another room, taking photos or starting video conferences without handheld devices, and operating or checking things at home when users are away.

Gurman also suggested a possibility of connecting the robot's limbs to an iPad, which could make it more convenient for users during video conferences or browsing recipes. In addition, Apple plans to introduce robots that can do household chores, but this may still be far off as they are still in the conceptual stage.

With successful robot devices, Apple can achieve victory in the smart home market, and smart desktops may ultimately be the magic weapon that helps Apple stand out in the home industry. However, Apple's plan also faces resistance.

Gurman pointed out that the high cost of manufacturing robots may deter most consumers from accepting the concept of robots. In addition, this plan requires very high technological requirements, and Apple may need more talent to achieve results.

However, insiders at Apple believe that this plan has great potential:

"If the company really wants to find another way to enter consumers' lives, robot technology may be the most meaningful."