Apple Researchers Unveil Lamp-Like Robot With Expressive Movements [Video]

Apple researchers have unveiled a prototype lamp-like robot that moves 'elegantly' - using movements to express intentions, attention, and emotions.

The framework for this design is detailed in a paper entitled, 'ELEGNT: Expressive and Functional Movement Design for Non-Anthropomorphic Robot'. The authors are Yuhan Hu, Peide Huang, Mouli Sivapurapu, and Jian Zhang.

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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.


In this paper, we present the design and prototyping of a lamp-like robot that explores the interplay between functional and expressive objectives in movement design. Using a research-through-design methodology, we document the hardware design process, define expressive movement primitives, and outline a set of interaction scenario storyboards. We propose a framework that incorporates both functional and expressive utilities during movement generation, and implement the robot behavior sequences in different function- and social- oriented tasks.

Through a user study comparing expression-driven versus function-driven movements across six task scenarios, our findings indicate that expression-driven movements significantly enhance user engagement and perceived robot qualities. This effect is especially pronounced in social-oriented tasks.
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Notably, it appears that this research could be the basis for the desktop robot Apple is rumored to have in development. The device, reportedly codenamed "J595," is expected to combine an iPad-like display with a robotic arm capable of 360-degree rotation. According to reports, Apple has assembled a team of several hundred people to work on the project, which has gained momentum after being approved by Apple's leadership in 2022. The device aims to serve as a smart home command center, offering videoconferencing capabilities and home security management, competing with products like Amazon's Echo Show 10.


The robot device is separate from another home product expected this year. Apple is purportedly set to unveil a new wall-mounted smart display as early as March. The device will allegedly be able to control appliances, handle videoconferencing, and use AI to navigate apps.

Check out the robot arm in the video below and let us know what you think in the comments!

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