A new paper from Apple's research arm has shed light on the company's plans for robotics in the home, hinting at the development of a future tabletop robot. The paper, published on Apple's Machine Learning Research site, summarizes a project that created a robot with expressive movements to test its engagement level compared to a standard robot.

The project's video, which has been making waves online, showcases an expressive tabletop robot with a Siri-like voice assistant built-in. The robot, designed to resemble a desk lamp on an articulating arm, responds to gestures and voice commands, and features an LED light, camera, speaker, and projector. What sets it apart is its ability to exhibit personality, dancing along to music, looking outside to check the weather, and even displaying faux sadness when told it can't accompany its user on a hike.

In contrast, a "Functional" version of the robot remains immobile unless required to move as part of the task. The comparison effectively demonstrates how adding human-like characteristics to an object can make it more relatable and functional. While Apple has not explicitly stated that it is developing this particular lamp robot for consumer use, the project's findings could have significant implications for the company's future home robot developments.

Previous reports have indicated that Apple is working on a range of devices for the home, including a smart display and a tabletop robot. These devices could potentially act as a personal assistant with Siri, a FaceTime video-calling device, and a smart home control center. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has reported that the robotic device could ship in 2026 or 2027, with a potential price tag of around $1,000.

While the lamp robot may not be a direct precursor to Apple's future home robot, the project's focus on expressive movements and personality suggests that the company is exploring ways to make its robots more engaging and relatable. As the smart home market continues to evolve, Apple's research into robotics could play a significant role in shaping the future of home automation.

The video's demonstration of the lamp robot's capabilities has sparked excitement among tech enthusiasts, with many praising its cute and functional design. As Apple continues to develop its robotics capabilities, it will be interesting to see how the company incorporates these findings into its future products.

For now, the lamp robot remains a research project, but its implications for Apple's future home robot developments are undeniable. As the company continues to push the boundaries of robotics and artificial intelligence, it's clear that the future of home automation will be shaped by innovative technologies like this.