I wonder what Steve Jobs would have thought if Sony released a AIBO style robot in the context of technologies it could capitalise on today. Would computer vision, always on access to two way LLM based communication, and practically useful maneuverers have made an entry into home robotics more appealing to him?
There has been recent speculation that apple may release a "Robot" in the form of an iPad on moving extendable arm.
Now this could represent the formation of an elaborate follow me FaceTime camera with screen, and nothing more for the next five years, or set the precedent for an revolutionary and rapid evolution into home robotics by Apple. Since Bloomberg's report, it almost seems obvious that Apple must enter the market for home robotics.
Elon Musk, who is seemingly a prescient force in today's world, expects that the price people would pay for a human robot could match that of a car. A consumer electronic item of this price range would be uncharacteristic for apple. So, ruling out their consideration of a humanoid robot, what form could an Apple Robot take?
It would be unusual for Apple to present a half baked product to the market; an iMac G4 with automatic moving arm would be rather disappointing.
Could they be on the verge of presenting a moving, AI powered, pet Robot with utility? I would be very, very surprised. Not, because I believe such a product would be a poor seller, but because Apple have traditionally needed an example to be able critique, and dramatically improve on, to motivate and mobilise their subterranean innovative power house.
If reports are to be believed, we will see a moving screen on a stick, and that would be sad. What Apple really needs right now is to have their own YC type program. YC, as a collective, is the most [early] Apple like organisation, that I see today.
Your Thoughts?
What's your take on Apple and its future?