In an effort to create the next iPhone, Apple is considering a push into personal robots

According to Bloomberg News on Wednesday, Apple is apparently looking into the field of personal robotics. This is a step in the company's search for the "next big thing."

According to the story, engineers at Apple are developing an idea for a mobile robot that would accompany consumers about their houses.

It also disclosed the creation of an advanced tabletop gadget that supposedly has a robotic system that can move a display.

Apple is just beginning to investigate robotic solutions, and it is not yet clear if these goods will be commercially available. The iPhone manufacturer is looking for new sources of income, and this robotics endeavour is one of them. It ended its electric vehicle (EV) programme in February, and it acknowledged that it might take some time for its debut into mixed-reality spectacles to have a major financial impact.

Robotics may offer Apple a chance to take advantage of artificial intelligence (AI) developments and establish a more permanent presence in consumers' homes.

However, the company's strategy in this new area is still being worked out. Though it is closer to completion, the tabletop smart display's position on Apple's product roadmap has changed over time.

Apple has previously briefed its senior executives on its future target areas, which included automobile, home, and mixed reality. Now that the car project has been cancelled and the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset has been released, the focus is shifting to other opportunities, such as strengthening Apple's position in the smart home market.

Since Steve Jobs left the firm, Apple has been searching for another revolutionary product that would be as successful as the iPhone. However, the iPhone accounted for 52% of the company's $383.3 billion in revenue last year, so it will not be easy to duplicate its success.

Apple's AI researchers are investigating techniques to allow robots to navigate around crowded household environments as part of its robotics study.

The IT giant plans to grow the teams working on this project, as seen by the job listings for robotics-related roles on its website.

(Sources: investing.com, reuters.com,bloomberg.com)