Like Pixar: Apple showed a charismatic robot lamp-he can tell about the weather, looking out the window

Apple’s robotics division created a prototype of a robot, reminiscent of a lamp from the Luxo Jr. cartoon, which is reported to the Apple Machine Learning Research website. The developers showed two versions of the robot in the video: one of them is distinguished by expressive reactions to human teams and looks much more interesting than the second that simply executes the commands.

Image Source: Apple

Both robots are similar to a desktop lamp with a hinge support, equipped with a camera, a speaker and a projector. They react to gestures and voice teams, and also have a voice similar to Apple Siri. At the same time, the version of the robot called Expressive (expressive) demonstrates a greater personality.

Expressive robot interacts with a person in a realistic manner. For example, when the user asks the weather, the robot first looks out the window before reporting the forecast. To remind you of the need to drink water, it pushes the mug. If a person says that he is going on a hike, but will not be able to take the robot with him, he lowers his “head” in mock sadness. When a person collects a 3D printer, the robot projects the corresponding training video on the wall. He also reacts to gestures of his hands, moving to ensure the desired lighting during photography on the iPhone. In addition, the video shows how the robot includes music and dances, raising the mood of the interlocutor.

The second robot, called Functional (functional), simply performs commands and remains motionless in their absence.

As the researchers noted, such realistic, controlled by the expression “significantly increase the involvement of the user” compared to traditional “controlled functions” of movements.

Last year, Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman said that Apple is developing a desktop robot with a “display similar to the iPad” attached to a “robotic limb”. It will be possible to control the device using Siri and Apple Intelligence, as well as distinguish user voices. According to Gurman, Apple plans to present a novelty in 2026 or 2027.