According to reliable sources familiar with the matter, tech giant Apple is reportedly in the early stages of research and development for producing home robots. This comes as the company seeks to forge its "next big thing" following the discontinuation of its self-driving car project earlier this year, as reported by Bloomberg.

Engineers at Apple are said to be actively exploring the creation of a robot that can autonomously follow users around their homes. Additionally, the company is looking into developing a tabletop device utilizing robotics to rotate the display, representing a more advanced project than the mobile robot.

The primary concept behind the smart display robot is to simulate human head movements, thereby providing a lifelike experience during activities like FaceTime sessions. It is also expected to include a feature that enables zooming in on specific individuals within a crowd during video calls.

The notion of a smart display robot attracted the attention of senior Apple executives several years ago; however, there has been internal disagreement about whether to proceed with the project, as per Bloomberg's sources.

This recent development by Apple follows a challenging period for the company. It has faced a series of setbacks, including declining iPhone sales in China, a substantial $2 billion fine from the EU, and an antitrust lawsuit from the DOJ. Moreover, Apple made the decision earlier this year to abandon its long-term, multi-billion-dollar car project, known as Project Titan, redirecting efforts toward AI products. Critics argue that Apple has lagged behind competitors such as OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google in the development and release of chatbots.

Apple began exploring robotics in 2019, with industry veteran Doug Field leading the project. However, after Field's departure in 2021, Apple's robotics endeavors shifted focus towards domestic products. One of the ideas considered was a robot capable of performing household chores, such as dishwashing and video calls. Unfortunately, this concept was ultimately shelved due to engineering challenges, according to Bloomberg's insiders.

While the potential arrival of Apple's home robots in the consumer market remains uncertain, the company seems to have laid some groundwork. Notably, an engineer previously involved in Apple's car project has reportedly been reassigned to the home and robotics division. Additionally, sources suggest that SafetyOS, the operating system meant to enable self-driving capabilities for the abandoned car project, could be repurposed for use in robotic devices.

Home robotics have become increasingly common over the years, with products such as iRobot's Roomba autonomous vacuum cleaner gaining popularity. Moreover, smart speakers and thermostats have become ubiquitous in households. Meanwhile, Apple's recent non-robotic launch, the Vision Pro, has received mixed reviews.

Business Insider requested comment from Apple regarding this development; however, the company did not respond at the time of publication. As Apple delves further into the world of home robots, it remains to be seen if the tech giant will be able to regain its reputation for groundbreaking innovation and capture a lucrative market in this emerging field.