Apple enters the field of physical artificial intelligence, but Morgan Stanley still favors the earlier entrant Tesla

According to reports, Apple (AAPL.US) plans to launch a consumer-oriented desktop robot product in 2027. The device will be equipped with a 9-inch display mounted on a motorized arm that can move and rotate autonomously. This device is designed to follow users or adjust angles during interactions, and is expected to be positioned for use on desks and in kitchens to assist with household chores or work tasks. The desktop robot will enhance interactivity through motors, sensors, upgraded Siri artificial intelligence, and a screen similar to that of an iPad.

Some analysts believe that Apple's significant move into the consumer desktop robot space marks another "important moment" in the physical manifestation of artificial intelligence, which may prompt the company to launch more products capable of challenging humanoid robots and other physical AI products, thereby attracting investor attention.

A recent report from Morgan Stanley indicates that the bank's analysts have concluded, through discussions with institutional clients, corporate clients, and private wealth clients, that physical artificial intelligence (Robotaxi, drones, humanoid robots) is "breaking out." Analysts added that they have recently encountered some extremely unusual concepts, as the migration of AI into the physical world is gradually turning many seemingly science-fiction ideas into reality. For example, exoskeletons combined with brain implants can provide physical capabilities beyond human limits; genetically modified brain cells can respond to external stimuli, linking human thoughts with high-bandwidth AI communication systems. The most shocking news came from a private client's sharing — pregnancy robots, whose mission is to gestate human embryos to term and complete childbirth.

The further explosion of the physical artificial intelligence sector is expected to bring more competition to Tesla (TSLA.US), which has long been positioned in this area. However, Morgan Stanley views Tesla as still a high-quality investment target in this field. The firm maintains an "overweight" rating on Tesla ahead of the company's upcoming third-quarter earnings announcement, with a target price of $410.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk keenly recognized the opportunities in physical artificial intelligence and robotics technology more than a decade ago. The Tesla Optimus humanoid robot is set to debut in 2024 and launch its third generation in 2025, completing multiple upgrades in just one year. In September of this year, Musk revealed new details about Optimus V3 at the annual "All-in Summit" — the Optimus V3 robot is being designed to have "human-level hand dexterity," equipped with "advanced artificial intelligence that can understand physical reality."

Tesla plans to launch the third generation of the humanoid robot Optimus by the end of 2025 and expects to begin mass production in 2026. This plan broadens the commercial application prospects of humanoid robot technology and further solidifies Tesla's leading position in automation and robotics. Musk anticipates that by 2030, the annual production of Optimus will reach 1 million units The launch and mass production plan of Optimus has been described by Tesla as a revolutionary development. Musk pointed out on social media that he believes up to 80% of Tesla's future company value could come from this autonomous humanoid robot.

Meanwhile, Tesla is steadily expanding its autonomous taxi business. Musk and other Tesla executives have remained relatively silent about the progress of launching autonomous taxis in Austin. However, Tesla observers have discovered new recruitment information for auxiliary autonomous driving and fully autonomous taxi operators in Colorado (Aurora/Denver area) and Illinois (Chicago), indicating that there may be some noteworthy details regarding the expansion of Tesla's autonomous taxi business