Apple and Meta: The Race to Develop AI-Powered Humanoid Robots

The global AI robotics market has witnessed remarkable growth, with a market size of over 19 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, and projections indicating a surge to 35 billion U.S. dollars by 2030. This rapid development has sparked intense competition among tech giants, with Apple and Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) at the forefront of the race to develop AI-powered humanoid robots.



Apple's approach to humanoid robot development is centered around creating a robot that showcases its AI and tightly integrated technology. The company is investing in advanced AI research teams within its larger machine-learning group to develop robotics technologies. Apple's humanoid robot, still several years away from release, could potentially compete with Tesla's Optimus. Apple's strategy aligns with its preference for products where it controls all inputs, including hardware, software, and more.

Meta, on the other hand, is establishing a new unit within its Reality Labs hardware division specifically for humanoid technology development. The company's immediate goal is to create a software platform that hardware manufacturers can utilize to break into this sector. Meta is confident in its market advantage, thanks to its development of sensors and computing technologies for mixed reality, and its AI model, Llama, which has been gaining industry traction. Meta is initially focusing on household chores and plans to create the AI, sensors, and software that can power robots made by various companies. Meta has begun discussions with robotics firms like Unitree Robotics and Figure AI but does not plan to launch its own branded robot right away.

The primary challenges and risks associated with developing and commercializing AI-powered humanoid robots include technical complexity, safety and ethical concerns, cost and market acceptance, regulatory and legal challenges, and competition. Apple and Meta are addressing these issues by investing in advanced AI research, prioritizing safety features and ethical considerations, and leveraging their deep pockets and established customer bases to overcome cost and market acceptance challenges. Both companies are also likely to stay informed about regulatory and legal developments and collaborate with other tech giants to stay competitive.

The competition between Apple and Meta in the humanoid robotics space could accelerate the development and adoption of this technology. As these tech giants invest in robotics, they could bring more resources and innovation to the field, potentially leading to a future where humanoid robots are more common. Additionally, the different approaches taken by Apple and Meta could lead to a wider range of robotics products and solutions, catering to different consumer and industrial needs.

In conclusion, the race to develop AI-powered humanoid robots is heating up, with Apple and Meta leading the charge. Both companies are taking different approaches to address the challenges and risks associated with this emerging technology. As the global AI robotics market continues to grow, the competition between these tech giants could drive innovation and accelerate the adoption of humanoid robots in various sectors, from healthcare to home life.