Apple significantly increases hiring for its robotics division

Apple is accelerating its push into robotics, ramping up hiring and research efforts as it explores future smart home devices. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the company has been quietly working on robotics technology for years, with its efforts now gaining momentum after the dissolution of its self-driving car division last year.

Two internal teams are driving Apple’s robotics ambitions: the Home Labs hardware engineering group and an AI-focused special projects team led by Kevin Lynch. While long-term plans remain in the research phase, Apple is reportedly developing a tabletop robot that could serve as an extension of its smart home ecosystem, with a possible launch targeted for 2027.

Signs of Apple’s growing commitment to robotics have surfaced in recent weeks. The company has been recruiting engineers and researchers with robotics expertise, posting new job listings that emphasize the development of innovative user experiences through advanced machine learning and hardware integration.

Beyond hiring, Apple has also been publishing research that hints at its robotics vision. A recent company paper details a tabletop robot concept that could provide an early look at what’s to come. The device, described as resembling the Pixar lamp, is expected to integrate seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem, possibly evolving into a smart home hub with dynamic movement.

Though Apple’s robotics work remains largely under wraps, its increasing investment in this space suggests a broader ambition to reshape home technology. With a history of refining and perfecting consumer tech, Apple’s eventual entry into robotics could redefine the way users interact with their devices.