Foxconn's Upcoming 'Foxbots' Could Build Your Future iPhones

by Joe White

July 7, 2014

Apple’s longtime manufacturer Foxconn is looking to deploy new robots in its factories, according to a recent report.

The news, which comes from IT Home (via MacRumors), notes that the company is planning on using some 10,000 of these robots – called “Foxbots” – and adds that each one will be able to assemble around 30,000 devices.

Prices for Foxbots, however, are estimated to lie somewhere between $20,000 and $25,000.

It comes as no surprise to hear that Apple is reportedly one of the first companies looking to use Foxbots to manufacture its devices. Given the huge media interest in Cupertino’s in-development products (and the huge tendency among partner employees to leak designs and even parts), the sooner Apple can shift to Foxbot-powered iOS device assembly, the better.

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about Foxconn’s interest in robot workers: back in 2011, the company claimed to be adding 1 million robots to its workforce.

More recently, however, Foxconn went on a hiring spree for Apple’s long anticipated iPhone 6 device – or devices – and we heard that the company could partner with Sharp in order to produce the displays for our future iPhones and iPads.

We also heard that production of Apple’s iPhone 6 could begin at Foxconn plants next month, in August. The device should go on sale in Apple Retail Stores in September. Whether the use of Foxbots could help control iOS device leaks of course remains to be seen, but we'll keep you updated with further information as we receive it.