Apple to Shift Robotics Unit From AI Division to Hardware Engineering [Report]

Apple is making another significant organizational change within its AI efforts, planning to move its robotics division out from under AI chief John Giannandrea, according to a new report from Bloomberg. The move comes shortly after the Siri voice assistant team was also shifted from his purview.

According to sources familiar with the internal plans, Apple intends to relocate the robotics team from Giannandrea's AI and machine learning group to the hardware engineering division later this month. This places the unit under Senior Vice President John Ternus, who leads hardware development for products like the iPhone, Mac, and Vision Pro.

This shift follows the March transfer of the Siri engineering unit away from Giannandrea's oversight. That team is now led by Mike Rockwell, who previously headed up Vision Pro efforts. These changes appear to be part of a wider strategy as Apple works to advance its position in the competitive field of artificial intelligence.

Despite these moves, Giannandrea, who joined Apple from Google, continues to oversee the bulk of the company's AI strategy and machine learning development. Sources suggest the restructuring allows his group to concentrate more directly on core AI technologies. Apple declined to comment on the reported changes.

The robotics team, described as working more behind the scenes, is helmed by veteran executive Kevin Lynch, known for his work on Apple Watch software and the now-discontinued car project. This group explores using AI to power new types of devices, potentially creating future product categories for Apple.

Bloomberg's report mentioned specific projects being explored by the robotics team, including a tabletop device featuring a robotic arm that manipulates an iPad-like display. Longer-term concepts reportedly include mobile robots designed for telepresence and video conferencing.

Placing the unit under Ternus aligns it with Apple's core hardware operations. Ternus is considered a key executive under CEO Tim Cook and already manages a hardware team working on related smart home and robotics tech. The move could signal increased focus and integration for Apple's robotics initiatives.

Notably, this shift reportedly gives Ternus's hardware division oversight of some AI operating system and algorithm teams, functions not typically housed within hardware engineering. Ternus briefly managed the Vision Pro software unit before it moved under Rockwell alongside the Siri team reorganization last month.

For Giannandrea, this marks the second major team moved from his direct responsibility this year. While his group retains focus on foundational AI models, sources indicated ongoing challenges and delays within the AI/ML organization have been a factor in the recent restructuring.

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