Apple’s ELEGNT Framework: Making Home Robots Feel More Like Companions

A New Era for Home Robotics

Apple researchers have introduced a groundbreaking framework called Expressive and Functional Movement Design (ELEGNT), aimed at making non-humanoid robots move more naturally and expressively. Instead of simply executing tasks, robots using this framework can convey emotions, intentions, and attitudes—potentially making them more engaging and human-like.

Published on arXiv, this research signals a shift in home robotics, where movement design plays a critical role in how robots interact with people.

How a Desk Lamp Became the Perfect Test Subject

To test their theory, Apple researchers experimented with a lamp-like robot, similar in design to Pixar’s Luxo Jr. This robot featured a 6-axis robotic arm and a light-equipped head that could move expressively.

The study programmed the robot with two types of movements:

• Purely functional (focused on completing tasks efficiently)
• Expressive (designed to communicate emotions and intent)

When participants interacted with the robot, those who experienced expressive movements found it more engaging and relatable, especially in social interactions like playing music or suggesting creative ideas.

The Human Response: Engagement vs. Efficiency

Apple’s user tests revealed a key insight: while expressive movements improved engagement, they weren’t always necessary for purely functional tasks like adjusting lighting. Some participants even warned that overly playful movements could slow down tasks, leading to frustration.

Another surprising finding was the age-related differences in user preference. Older participants were less receptive to expressive robot movements, suggesting that future home robots may need customizable behavior settings based on user demographics and preferences.

The Future of Social Robotics: Balancing Function and Expression

As home robots evolve, companies must strike a balance between functionality and emotional intelligence. While today’s household robots—like vacuum cleaners—focus solely on efficiency, Apple’s research suggests that robots with natural, expressive movement could become trusted companions rather than just tools.

However, the challenge lies in execution. As one study participant noted, if a robot’s movements become a distraction rather than an enhancement, people may lose patience with it.

Conclusion: A New Approach to Robot Design

Apple’s ELEGNT framework marks a fundamental shift in robotics. Instead of focusing only on what robots can do, companies must consider how robots make people feel. The study suggests that future robot design requires input from animators, behavioral psychologists, and human-computer interaction experts—not just engineers.

With Apple set to present this research at the 2025 Designing Interactive Systems Conference in Madeira, the real test will be whether companies can translate these insights into consumer-ready robots. The future of home robotics may depend not just on intelligence, but on emotional connection and human-like interaction.