Apple is venturing into the world of robotics, with a focus on both humanoid and non-humanoid form factors, according to a new report from longtime Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The news comes on the heels of a research paper from the iPhone-maker that delves into human interactions with "non-anthropomorphic" robots, specifically a Pixar-style lamp.

The research paper highlights elements that could inform an eventual consumer robot, but Kuo qualifies the work as "early proof-of-concept," drawing parallels with the Apple Car project, which was effectively abandoned in a similarly early stage. Based on "current progress and typical development cycles," Kuo projects 2028 as an optimistic timeline for mass production.

What's notable about Apple's foray into robotics is the level of transparency from the notoriously tight-lipped company. This is a departure from Apple's usual approach, as seen in the case of the rumored foldable iPhone, where details are closely guarded. The publication of the research paper is seen as a strategic move to attract top engineering talent, as the robotics industry faces challenges in hiring quickly enough to support accelerated release timelines in the age of generative AI.

Kuo suggests that the research paper's use of the "non-anthropomorphic" qualifier is designed to distinguish the robot from humanoid research. Apple appears to be more interested in how users build perception with robots than their physical appearance, implying that sensing hardware and software serve as the core technologies. This could mean that Apple is exploring a range of robotic systems, from simple to complex humanoids, as part of a "future smart home ecosystem."

The possibilities for Apple's robotics project are vast, ranging from a full humanoid designed for household chores to a smart home display with a mechanical arm. Leaks around the work have suggested the latter, which is a more plausible starting point than launching a humanoid capable of folding laundry. However, to get to that point, Apple first needs to prove that people want a home robot that isn't just a vacuum.

The robotics industry is currently dominated by companies building industrial humanoids, such as 1X, Figure, and Apptronik, which are researching a path from the factory floor to the home. Pricing and reliability are two major sticking points, with the cost of industrial humanoids being prohibitively high. If Apple can successfully bring reliable industrial humanoid production to scale, it could pave the way for more affordable home robots.

Given Apple's track record of popularizing existing product categories, it's likely that the company will take a cautious approach to robots. The failure of the Apple Car and the stumbling start of both the Vision Pro and Apple Intelligence serve as cautionary tales. However, with Apple actively exploring robotics, we can expect at least another three years of leaks and speculation before a potential product launch.

One thing is certain: Apple is committed to robotics, and its entry into the market could have significant implications for the industry as a whole. As the company continues to develop its robotics project, it will be interesting to see how it balances innovation with the need for reliability and affordability.