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According to a report from Bloomberg, internally, the robot is called the “Pixar Lamp” and is envisioned to act like a person in the room. It can engage in back-and-forth conversations for tasks such as planning trips or suggesting nearby restaurants. The arm can rotate and extend almost six inches in any direction, allowing it to reposition itself to face whoever is speaking.
To enhance this interactivity, Apple is developing a new version of Siri specifically for the robot. This AI will remember information and engage in more natural conversations with a “visual personality,” tested through an animated Finder logo. The personalized touch aims to make interactions feel more human-like and engaging, potentially showing emotions based on the conversation.
The device also supports FaceTime calls with a Center Stage-like feature, allowing it to move around during video calls. Users can control the robot’s display using a joystick, positioning it to show different views or areas of the room.
In addition to the tabletop robot, Apple is working on a mobile robot equipped with wheels and a large mechanical arm, designed for use in manufacturing facilities or retail stores. The tabletop robot will serve as a new form of personal AI interaction, positioned to launch in 2027.