In the field of mixed reality headsets, the two tech giants Apple and Meta have been competing for several years, and now the battlefield is shifting towards humanoid robots.
According to Bloomberg, Meta is planning to establish a new team dedicated to developing humanoid robot technology within its Reality Labs hardware division, and plans to hire about 100 engineers this year. Unlike directly launching branded robotic products, Meta's recent goal is to create a foundational software platform, similar to the Android system, for hardware manufacturers to use.
Analysts believe that Meta's advantage in developing humanoid robots lies in the company's rich accumulation of mixed reality sensors and computing technologies, as well as the widely recognized Llama artificial intelligence model it has already launched.
Meanwhile, Apple is also quietly laying out plans in this field. Reports indicate that Apple is exploring the development of a humanoid robot that can showcase its AI technology and tight integration capabilities.
Compared to Meta's open strategy, Apple prefers to control all aspects, including hardware and software. For example, Apple has a dedicated robotics technology research and development team within its large machine learning team, and its home hardware engineering team is also interested in this area, planning to launch a desktop device in the short term that will attach a robotic arm to a display.
However, whether Apple can catch up with its competitors in AI capabilities remains a key question.
If it cannot compete with rivals in AI functions for smartphones and tablets, developing robots will be even more challenging. Reports indicate that Apple's latest Siri feature development has encountered obstacles, which may delay its release. If Apple wants to secure a place in the robotics field, it needs to catch up in AI.
There are also views that Apple's investments in autonomous vehicle projects over the past decade may be helpful. Although the project was canceled last year, the accumulated experience will aid in robot development.
Media information shows that Meta's humanoid robot project will be led by former General Motors Cruise division CEO Marc Whitten; Apple will be overseen by Kevin Lynch, who was responsible for launching the first smartwatch and the autonomous vehicle project

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According to reports, Meta plans to establish a humanoid robot technology research and development team, aiming to create a foundational software platform first; Apple is developing AI-driven humanoid robot products, preferring to control all aspects

- In the mixed reality headset sector, tech giants Apple and Meta are shifting their focus to humanoid robots.  
- Meta plans to establish a new team within its Reality Labs to develop humanoid robot technology, aiming to create a foundational software platform for hardware manufacturers, while Apple is exploring a humanoid robot that showcases its AI capabilities.  
- The competition raises questions about Apple's ability to catch up in AI, especially after setbacks with its Siri development, although past investments in autonomous vehicle projects may provide valuable experience for its robotics efforts.

Humanoid Robot Battle, both Apple and Meta are here