Apple Showcases Expressive Robot Lamp Prototype Inspired by Pixar

The lifelike lamp, developed by Apple's Machine Learning Research team, blends functionality with personality to enhance user interaction.

Apple's new robot prototype, resembling Pixar's Luxo Jr., integrates expressive movements with functional tasks to improve human-robot interaction.
Dubbed ELEGNT, the lamp-like robot can perform tasks such as providing lighting, projecting tutorials, and responding to gestures and voice commands.
The robot's expressive behaviors, like showing disappointment or dancing, were found to significantly boost user engagement compared to purely functional movements.
Reports suggest this technology could inform future Apple smart home devices, including a rumored tabletop robot with an iPad-like display, potentially launching by 2026 or 2027.
The project highlights Apple's focus on blending robotics with its ecosystem, aiming to create multifunctional devices that combine utility with emotional connection.