Apple Inc. and Meta Platforms are intensifying efforts to develop AI-driven humanoid robots, signaling a significant shift in the technology landscape. This move positions both companies in direct competition within the emerging robotics sector, aiming to revolutionize industries ranging from healthcare to domestic services.
Meta has initiated a substantial investment in humanoid robotics, focusing on creating advanced robots capable of performing human-like tasks. The company’s Reality Labs hardware division is spearheading this initiative, with Marc Whitten, former CEO of General Motors’ Cruise self-driving unit, appointed as vice president of robotics. This strategic move underscores Meta’s commitment to integrating artificial intelligence and augmented reality technologies into practical applications. The company plans to expand its team by adding approximately 100 engineers this year, emphasizing the critical importance of 2025 for its metaverse and robotics investments.
In parallel, Apple is exploring the development of humanoid robots as part of its future smart-home ecosystem. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of TF International Securities, these projects are currently in the early proof-of-concept stage, with mass production unlikely to commence before 2028. Apple’s openness about its robotics research may be a strategic effort to attract top talent in the field. This initiative aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to integrate advanced technologies into consumer products, enhancing user experiences within the smart-home environment.
The entry of these tech giants into the humanoid robotics arena is poised to accelerate advancements in the field. Tesla, under CEO Elon Musk, has been developing robot technology since 2021, with plans to significantly increase production by 2027. Musk has highlighted the potential of robots to become the company’s most significant product, leveraging advancements in AI to develop self-driving cars and robotics. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang also anticipates the imminent rise of the robotics era, predicting it will become a major industry.
Investors view the involvement of Apple and Meta as both a validation of the potential market for humanoid robots and a competitive risk to existing players. The convergence of AI, augmented reality, and robotics technologies is expected to drive innovation, leading to the development of robots capable of performing complex tasks across various sectors. This technological evolution could transform industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and domestic services, offering new solutions to existing challenges.
