Apple's "desktop robot" aims at Tesla! Morgan Stanley: A market several times larger than the global GDP is opening up

According to Zhitong Finance APP, Apple Inc. (AAPL.US) plans to expand its production operations in Vietnam to manufacture the next generation of smart home devices, including a desktop robot. It is reported that the consumer-facing desktop robot product may be launched around 2027. The device will be equipped with a 9-inch display mounted on an electric arm that can move and rotate autonomously.

The device is designed to follow users or adjust its angle during interactions, and is expected to be positioned for use on desks and in kitchens to assist with household chores or work tasks. This desktop robot will enhance interactivity through motors, sensors, upgraded Siri artificial intelligence, and a screen similar to that of an iPad.

Apple's significant move into the consumer desktop robot space may have some impact on Tesla Inc. (TSLA.US). Firstly, Apple is collaborating with Tesla's competitor BYD to handle the final assembly, testing, and packaging of the anticipated new smart home products. Notably, this product with physical mobility features launched by the Cupertino-based tech giant will be the first of its kind since Apple was founded in 1976, which may prompt the company to introduce more products capable of challenging humanoid robots and other physical AI products, thereby attracting investor attention.

Morgan Stanley pointed out that Apple's decision marks another "important moment" in the physical manifestation of artificial intelligence. Analyst Adam Jonas wrote, "As artificial intelligence transitions from the digital world (bits and bytes) to the physical world (atoms and photons), investors can expect to see technology companies entering the industrial sector, as well as unprecedented cases of collaboration between industrial and technology companies. In our view, the market for physical AI has the potential to exceed several times the scale of global GDP (USD 115 trillion)."

As a company with resources and a background valued at USD 3.6 trillion, Apple is considered capable of making a decisive impact on the robotics field. Elon Musk has previously stated that Tesla will take a leading position in this area.

Elon Musk keenly recognized the opportunities in physical artificial intelligence and robotics over a decade ago while he was developing autonomous vehicles, and the Optimus project has continued for about five years. Jonas noted that this secret is now public. Jonas wrote, "All seven major tech giants in the U.S. stock market have regarded robotics as an important area for scientific and commercial development, benefiting from the support of general artificial intelligence technology and accelerated by national security priorities and geopolitical competition. Companies like Apple entering the robotics field means that another giant will emerge that requires world-class AI and manufacturing talent—intensifying the competition for the most precious resource of artificial life: the human brain."