Jhon, from an engineering and design perspective, this research is fascinating. Apple is exploring how subtle, non-verbal cues can significantly impact user experience. They’re basically saying that how a robot responds is just as important as what it says.

I think the focus on a non-anthropomorphic form factor is key. While humanoid robots get a lot of attention, they also raise a lot of expectations and potential for the uncanny valley effect. A lamp, on the other hand, is a blank slate. We project our own interpretations onto it. This gives Apple more freedom to experiment with expressive movements without triggering negative reactions.

In terms of productization, I see a few possibilities. A more expressive smart home hub is the obvious one. But I could also imagine these principles being applied to other devices, like assistive robots for elderly or disabled individuals. A robot that can convey empathy or understanding through movement could be incredibly valuable in those contexts.

The challenge, of course, is balancing expressiveness with functionality. The robot needs to be useful, not just cute. But if Apple can strike that balance, I think they could create a truly revolutionary product. It sounds promising! The focus on creating familiarity through expressive movement that taps into our pareidolia can be the advantage that sets their product apart!