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The AI Robot Battle Is Heating Up
The future of artificial intelligence isn’t just about chatbots and self-driving cars—it’s about humanoid robots. As Tesla continues to develop Optimus, its AI-driven robot, tech giants like Apple and Meta have started exploring ways to join the race.
Apple’s History Of Secretive Hardware Plans
Apple has a track record of working on ambitious hardware projects in secrecy. For nearly a decade, Apple was developing the Apple Car to enter the electric vehicle space.
While the project ultimately didn’t come to fruition, it showcased Apple’s ability and desire to pivot into complex hardware markets. The company reportedly invested nearly $1 billion annually in the project.
Now, reports suggest Apple is shifting focus to AI-driven robotics. While the project is still likely several years from getting us any concrete product, Apple’s expertise in machine learning, user-friendly hardware, and seamless ecosystem integration, could make it a serious competitor to Tesla in the humanoid robot space.
Meta’s Reality Labs: From Experiment To AI Powerhouse
Meta’s Reality Labs division, originally a sandbox for futuristic projects like AR/VR, is proving to be more than just an experimental playground. What started as risky bets—like the Quest VR headsets and Ray-Ban smart glasses—have now become widely adopted products.
Meta’s next big move? AI-powered humanoid robots. On Friday, the company officially informed employees about the new team dedicated to this project.
The Mark Zuckerberg-led company is reportedly planning to build its hardware, starting with robots designed for household chores. Meta has already begun talks with robotics firms like Unitree Robotics and Figure AI Inc.
Tesla’s Optimus: The Current Contender
Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot, announced by Elon Musk in 2021, is already making waves. Designed to handle physical labor, Tesla envisions Optimus replacing repetitive human tasks in manufacturing, logistics, and even households.
Optimus robot is already doing some tasks at Tesla’s factories. Back in October, at Tesla’s robotaxi reveal, around 20 Optimus robots roamed through the crowd.
They served drinks, handed out snacks, and even showed off some dance moves. However, it was later revealed that these robots weren’t entirely independent—humans assisted them to some degree to help bring the company’s vision to life.
Last month, Musk said Tesla plans to produce several thousand Optimus humanoid robots this year. These robots will be used in Tesla’s own factories.
The EV giant will use this experience to refine the next version, set to launch next year and might also be sold to competitors.
The Most Unlikely Faceoff
Apple, Meta, and Tesla have never been competitors in the same product segment before. While Apple and Meta have their augmented reality glasses, that is just one area in which they compete and it’s a nascent product for Apple.
But with three of the seven ‘Magnificent 7’ tech giants likely to compete with each other in the humanoid robots space, it could shape up to be a huge rivalry.
Tesla has a big headstart and CEO Elon Musk is relatively more motivated than his peers in this space, so it could end up winning the race.
However, keep room for a surprise.
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