Apple’s Consumer Robotics Work: Research on Human-Robot Interaction

Last month, Apple published a research paper that delves into its consumer robotics work, highlighting the importance of traits like expressive movements in optimizing human-robot interaction. The paper, which can be found on the arXiv repository, argues that humans are highly sensitive to motion and subtle changes in movement, much like other animals.

A Non-Anthropomorphic Approach

To illustrate its point, Apple drew inspiration from Pixar, another company founded with the help of the late Steve Jobs. Since Pixar’s debut in 1985, the Luxo Jr. lamp has served as the animation studio’s long-time mascot. For its research, Apple chose a lamp as a non-anthropomorphic example, as it doesn’t possess any obvious human-like traits but can be made to behave in familiar ways.

Expressive Movement Design

The paper notes that for robots to interact more naturally with humans, they should integrate expressive qualities, such as intention, attention, and emotions, alongside traditional functional considerations like task fulfillment and time efficiency. Apple’s research arrives as the company is reportedly ramping up its consumer robotics efforts ahead of the planned release of a more advanced smart home system.

A Video Showcase

A video released in conjunction with the paper showcases some of these expressive movements, which mostly echo those of Pixar’s creation. The video features a lamp robot that operates as a more kinetic version of a HomePod, Amazon Echo, or other smart speaker. The most intriguing part of the video comes when a user queries the robot, at which point the lamp responds in Siri’s voice.

A Split Screen Example

A split screen video highlights the importance of expressive movements. In one version, the robot simply states the answer to a question, while in the other, it swivels its head to look out the window as if seeking insight. This simple example demonstrates how even small movements tap into our lizard brain’s pareidolia, forming a connection between human and object.

A Non-Humanoid Approach

Rumors surrounding the upcoming release of Apple’s smart home system describe it as a robot arm with an iPad attached. The lamp form factor could be applied to this design, and Apple’s consumer robotics division appears to still be in the research phase. Plenty can happen between now and then, from a major shift in form factor to a decision to pull the plug on the project prior to launch.

Conclusion

Apple’s research on human-robot interaction provides valuable insights into the importance of expressive movements in robotics. The company’s use of a non-anthropomorphic form factor, such as a lamp, offers a unique approach to designing robots that can interact more naturally with humans. As Apple continues to ramp up its consumer robotics efforts, it’s clear that these learnings will be crucial in making a robotic home hub more expressive.