Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is reportedly exploring the realm of personal robotics, a move that represents a part of the company’s pursuit of the “next big thing,” Bloomberg News reported Wednesday.
Per the report, Apple's engineers are working on a concept for a mobile robot designed to accompany users within their homes.
It also revealed the development of a sophisticated table-top device, which reportedly features a robotic mechanism capable of moving a display.
Apple’s exploration of robotic solutions is at an early stage, and it remains uncertain whether these products will reach the market.
This venture into robotics comes as the iPhone maker seeks new revenue streams, following the discontinuation of its electric vehicle (EV) initiative in February and acknowledging that its entry into mixed-reality goggles may require years to significantly impact its earnings.
Robotics could potentially provide Apple with an opportunity to solidify its presence in consumers' living spaces while leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).
The company's direction in this new field, however, is not fully defined. Despite the table-top smart display being closer to realization, its status on Apple's product roadmap has fluctuated over time.
According to Bloomberg, the robotics work is part of Apple's hardware engineering division and its AI and machine-learning group, led by John Giannandrea. Matt Costello and Brian Lynch, executives with a focus on home products, are guiding the hardware development.
Yet, Apple has not officially committed to these initiatives, which are presently categorized as early-stage research.
Previously, Apple had outlined automotive, home, and mixed reality as its future focus areas to its top executives. With the automotive project shelved and the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset already launched, attention is turning towards other prospects, including enhancing Apple's position in the smart home sector.
Near its Cupertino headquarters, Apple operates a secretive facility designed to emulate a residential environment. This space allows for the testing of forthcoming home technology concepts. Among the ideas under consideration is a new home hub featuring an iPad-like screen.
Apple's quest for another iPhone-like breakthrough product has been underway since the Steve Jobs era, though replicating the iPhone's success—a product that represented 52% of the company's $383.3 billion revenue last year—poses a significant challenge.
As part of its exploration into robotics, Apple's AI researchers are examining algorithms to enable robots to navigate through cluttered home environments.
The technology behemoth has job openings on its website for robotics-related positions, indicating its intention to expand the teams working on this project.
“Our team works at the intersection of modern machine learning and robotics to shape the AI that will power the next generation of Apple products,” the description of one role says.
“We are looking for innovative and hardworking ML and robotics researchers and engineers that help us research, define, and develop complex intelligent robotic systems and experiences in the real world.”