Apple has long been rumored to have an internal robotics team working on next-generation smart home devices. Now, a newly published research paper and accompanying video offer a first glimpse into Apple’s vision for robotics—one that focuses on expressiveness and human-like interaction.
In a research paper titled ELEGNT: Expressive and Functional Movement Design for Non-Anthropomorphic Robot, Apple’s team introduces a robotic lamp designed to interact with users in a more natural and engaging way. The robot features expressive movements that mimic human gestures, prioritizing emotional connection over raw functionality.
The Apple research team explains:
Nonverbal behaviors such as posture, gestures, and gaze are essential for conveying internal states, both consciously and unconsciously, in human interaction. For robots to interact more naturally with humans, robot movement design should likewise integrate expressive qualities—such as intention, attention, and emotions—alongside traditional functional considerations like task fulfillment, spatial constraints, and time efficiency.
The prototype closely resembles Pixar’s Luxo Jr. lamp, with a sleek design that can move dynamically in response to user input. Unlike typical smart home devices, this robot doesn’t just execute tasks—it communicates through movement, displaying curiosity, attentiveness, and even a touch of personality.
Apple’s video demonstrates how the lamp interacts with a researcher using expressive behaviors. When asked about the weather, the robot first “looks” toward a window before responding. When the user plays music, the robot sways as if dancing. It even nudges a water glass toward the researcher as a friendly reminder to stay hydrated.
A second, more functional version of the lamp was also tested, designed without expressive behaviors. The study found that users engaged far more with the expressive version, reinforcing Apple’s belief that personality and movement enhance the human-robot experience.
Apple’s interest in robotics goes beyond this single prototype. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman previously reported that Apple is developing a tabletop home assistant with robotic features, capable of adjusting its display and following users around. This device, expected to launch in 2026 or 2027, could integrate Apple’s AI advancements and function as a smart home hub.
