Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is making a groundbreaking investment in AI-powered humanoid robots, marking a significant shift from its focus on social media, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). This bold move aims to bring artificial intelligence into the physical world, starting with robots designed to handle household chores.
According to an internal company memo viewed by Bloomberg, Meta’s Reality Labs, known for developing AR and VR technologies, will now house a specialized team focused on building AI-driven humanoid robots. The initiative will initially concentrate on creating robots capable of performing everyday tasks like cleaning, organizing, and other domestic activities.
Meta plans to develop its own humanoid robot hardware while also creating the underlying AI, sensors, and software that other companies can use to manufacture robots. The company has already started discussions with robotics firms like Unitree Robotics and Figure AI to explore potential collaborations.
Andrew Bosworth, Meta’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), emphasized that the company’s existing investments in AI and Reality Labs align perfectly with robotics development. In a memo, he stated, “The core technologies we’ve already invested in and built across Reality Labs and AI are complementary to developing the advancements needed for robotics. We believe that expanding our portfolio to invest in this field will only accrue value to Meta AI and our mixed and augmented reality programs.”
To lead this ambitious project, Meta has appointed Marc Whitten, the former CEO of self-driving car company Cruise, as Vice President of Robotics. Whitten’s experience in autonomous systems and robotics makes him a strong fit for this role. Additionally, Meta has brought on John Koryl, former CEO of The RealReal, as Vice President of Retail, signaling the company’s broader ambitions in integrating robotics into various industries.
Meta plans to hire around 100 engineers by 2025 to support this initiative, highlighting the scale of its commitment to robotics. The company’s vast resources in AI, machine learning, and AR/VR technologies position it as a potential leader in the development of intelligent machines.
This move places Meta in direct competition with other tech giants like Tesla, which is developing its Optimus humanoid robot, and Boston Dynamics, a pioneer in agile robotics. Tesla’s Optimus aims to perform repetitive tasks, while Boston Dynamics has gained recognition for its advanced, dynamic robots like Spot and Atlas. Meta’s entry into this space could accelerate innovation and drive new advancements in robotics.
Meta’s investment in robotics builds on its previous achievements in AI, such as the development of LLaMA (Large Language Model Meta AI), a family of advanced language models designed for natural language processing tasks. By combining its AI expertise with robotics, Meta aims to create machines that can interact with the physical world in meaningful ways.
While the timeline for Meta’s robotics vision remains unclear, the company’s commitment to this field signals a significant shift in its long-term strategy. By integrating AI into physical robots, Meta is exploring new ways to enhance human productivity and redefine the role of technology in everyday life.StormInsider