In an exclusive investigation spanning over four years, MacPrime has unearthed groundbreaking information about Apple's secret research facility in Zurich, known as the "Zurich Vision Lab."
Although Apple is notoriously tight-lipped about its research activities, AppleInsider tells us that it has become apparent that this Swiss laboratory plays a pivotal role in various secretive projects, including the highly anticipated Apple Car, augmented reality (AR) headset, and the evolution of Siri.
The Secret Zurich Vision Lab
Apple's global research facilities often attract attention, yet the company deliberately keeps certain locations under wraps to shield its future plans.
MacPrime's in-depth research reveals the significance of the Zurich Vision Lab, which has been quietly contributing to numerous long-term Apple endeavors.
Into the Zurich Vision Lab
The Zurich Vision Lab engages in a wide range of research areas, according to MacPrime's investigation. These include computer vision, machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and autonomous systems.
While the lab's involvement in autonomous systems might suggest a connection to the development of self-driving technology for the Apple Car, specific references to the vehicle were not uncovered.
MacPrime highlights that "autonomous systems" encompass more than just self-driving cars, extending to intelligent entities like autonomous warehouses, robots, drones, and smart cities.
AppleInsider notes that this aligns with the concept of the "fourth industrial revolution," where autonomous systems underpin machine learning, deep learning, artificial intelligence, and computer vision as a whole.
The Future of Apple Products
Quoting from Apple recruitment posts, MacPrime describes the Zurich Vision Lab as an interface between modern ML, robotics, and data science, which will shape the next generation of Apple products.
One team is dedicated to promoting inclusion and fairness in AI-protected functions, while another focuses on pioneering novel approaches to human-device interaction.
The Zurich Vision Lab has already birthed cutting-edge technologies that have found their way into Apple's products. AppleInsider also reports that FaceTime's eye contact correction feature originated from this facility, which creates the illusion that callers are looking directly at the camera. Also, the Visual Lookup feature introduced in iOS 15 owes its existence to the lab's research.
Additionally, teams at the Zurich Vision Lab are diligently working on Siri in terms of infrastructure and user-facing features. Apple's recruitment posts indicate the creation of "new visual skills" for Siri, promising a transformative shift in how users interact with the world around them.
Furthermore, the report suggests a future Apple web search engine is being developed within the facility.
Apple's Silence
Apple has opted not to comment on the revelations presented in the report, maintaining its characteristic secrecy. However, the information uncovered by MacPrime sheds light on the importance of the Zurich Vision Lab and its role in shaping Apple's technological landscape.
The Zurich Vision Lab in Switzerland emerges as a pivotal hub for Apple's research initiatives, offering insights into the company's forays into computer vision, machine learning, robotics, and AI.
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