Cupertino, August 16: Apple is rumoured to launch its new AI-powered tabletop robot globally by 2027. This Apple robot is expected to feature an iPad-like screen, which would have a robotic limb functioning as a "smart home command centre" and "video conferencing tool". Apple has shifted its focus on the current demand for artificial intelligence technology by introducing its Apple Intelligence this year. Now, the new robotic device, along with other Apple products, might lean more on the AI side.

The reports said the upcoming Apple tabletop robot powered by AI with a robotic limb could move its display and reposition it. Bloomberg reported that the upcoming Apple device featuring a robotic limb would rely on the actuators, forcing the iPad-like display to move. In the Blomberg report, Mark Gruman mentioned that Apple's team, consisting of hundreds of people, had been working on the project. iPhone 17 Air Launch Expected in 2025: Apple’s Slimmest Smartphone Likely Have 5mm Size, Smaller Display and Higher Price, Say Reports.

The display of the Apple tabletop robot could also be moved 360 degrees using the limb. The report mentioned that the device could offer a "twist" on products like Amazon Echo Show and Meta's Portal (discontinued). Apple's robotic device is currently developed under the codename "J595," which was approved by the tech giant's executive team back in 2022. Recently, Apple is said to have started formally working on this project. 

The report alluded that the iPhone maker had been trying to shift towards robotics as part of broader efforts to boost sales and capitalise on Apple Intelligence. It said that the company had been seeking new growth opportunities to stand out after scrapping the self-driving Apple car in 2024. Despite having the tabletop robotics concept with Apple's industrial team design for years, there was no consensus within the company. Apple Supplier Foxconn’s Investment To Help India Become Global Manufacturing Hub, Says Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Due to a conflict between the software engineering organisation and marketing teams, the project was reportedly put on hold. The decision about whether to move forward with this Apple project was not final. However, the company has started working on the project development on a priority basis, which will likely help the company introduce it in 2026 or 2027.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 16, 2024 02:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).