Apple's Research Robot Inspired by Pixar | Tech News

Apple's Robotics Research: Inspired by Pixar

Recent research from Apple delves deeper into the field of consumer robotics, emphasizing the significance of expressive movements in optimizing interactions between humans and robots. The report begins by noting that, much like other animal species, humans are acutely attuned to motion and even subtle alterations in movement.

Drawing Parallels to Pixar's Luxo Jr.

To support its findings, Apple references Pixar Animation Studios, a company also co-founded by Steve Jobs. The Luxo Jr. lamp, featured in Pixar’s 1985 short film, has long been the studio’s iconic mascot. For its investigations, Apple similarly selected a lamp as a “non-anthropomorphic” example.

Lamps, lacking inherent human characteristics, can nevertheless be programmed to exhibit behaviors that humans readily recognize and understand.

The Importance of Expressive Qualities

The research paper posits that, “robot movement design should integrate expressive qualities, such as intention, attention, and emotions, alongside traditional functional considerations like task fulfillment and time efficiency” for more natural human-robot interaction.

A video accompanying the paper demonstrates these movements, largely mirroring those of Pixar’s famous lamp. The lamp’s shade functions as a head, while its arm serves as a neck, mirroring the original animation.

Robot as a Kinetic Smart Speaker

Perhaps the most telling aspect of the video, regarding potential product development, is the demonstration of user interaction. The unnamed lamp robot functions as a more dynamic version of existing smart speakers like the HomePod or Amazon Echo.

When a user poses a question, the robot responds using Siri’s voice.

Expressive Movement and Human Perception

A split-screen comparison highlights the impact of expressive movements. One version of the robot simply provides a weather report. The other, however, swivels its “head” to look towards a window, suggesting it’s considering the actual outdoor conditions.

This subtle action demonstrates how even minor movements can trigger pareidolia – our tendency to perceive patterns and emotions in inanimate objects – and foster a connection between humans and technology.

Future Implications for Apple's Robotics Plans

Apple’s research coincides with reports of increased investment in consumer robotics, anticipating the launch of a more sophisticated smart home system. These findings could be instrumental in creating a more expressive robotic home hub.

This approach echoes Amazon’s Astro robot, but the emphasis on a non-anthropomorphic design suggests Apple’s robot may be less human-like in appearance.

Current rumors describe the upcoming hub as “a robot arm with an iPad attached.” The lamp form factor explored in the research could easily be adapted to this design. However, Apple’s robotics division remains in the research and development phase, and future changes – including potential project cancellation – are still possible.