Thirty-nine years ago, Pixar’s CG wizards made us believe a faceless desk lamp could be adorable. Now, Apple is working on a similar concept – an expressive robot lamp that responds to user requests with movement and AI-generated voice. The “ELEGNT” framework enables the lamp to exhibit various states of “attention,” “attitude,” and “expression.” This device aims to make smart home tech more engaging than traditional AI assistants.
Apple’s latest innovation features a robot arm that uses machine learning to move forward or look in a particular direction. When asked for the weather, the robot looked outside, processed the information, and provided a forecast before checking if it was invited on a hiking trip. While still exploring functionality, Apple’s goal is to create an AI-powered device that convinces users to forget its generated speech and body language.
The company cites research from 2014, which tested human-robot interaction techniques with a “Wizard of Oz” setup. With advancements in robotics and AI, these interactions are becoming more realistic. Apple is now developing smart home cameras and displays to compete with Google Nest and Amazon Echo Show. By pushing the Apple Intelligence angle further, the company aims to entice customers to purchase its products, even if it means paying a premium price.
This expressive robot lamp may be a game-changer in the smart home market, offering an entertaining experience that surpasses traditional AI assistants. As Apple continues to develop its smart home tech, one thing is clear: innovation and user engagement are at the forefront of their strategy.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/this-pixar-inspired-robot-lamp-is-the-first-apple-intelligence-device-i-really-want-2000560938