Mark Zuckerberg's Meta to invest in AI-powered humanoid robots to ...
Meta Platforms is establishing a new division within its Reality Labs unit to develop AI-powered humanoid robots that can assist with physical tasks, as per an internal company memo viewed by Reuters. The Facebook parent company is venturing into the competitive field of humanoid robotics, joining competitors like Nvidia-backed Figure AI and Tesla.
Focus on Research & Development
In the memo, Meta's Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, mentioned that the robotics product group would concentrate on research and development related to consumer humanoid robots, with a goal to maximize Llama’s platform capabilities. Llama is the name of Meta’s main series of AI foundation models that fuel a growing range of generative AI products on its social media platforms. 
The group will be headed by Marc Whitten, former CEO of self-driving car company Cruise, who Meta has recruited for the position, according to Bosworth. Major tech companies and startups are investing significant sums in developing AI-powered robots for manufacturing, logistics, and household tasks.
Challenges in AI Breakthroughs
Despite substantial investments, progress has been slow. Researchers have discovered that the language-related AI advancements driving chatbot development have not directly translated into advancements in understanding the physical world. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has expressed that the company’s humanoid robot “Optimus” could handle various daily tasks and might eventually be available for purchase by consumers. 
Recently, Apptronik secured $350 million in funding supported by investors like Alphabet’s Google to expand the production of its AI-powered humanoid robots tailored for tasks in warehouses and manufacturing facilities. Meta, however, did not provide an immediate response to a request for comment from Reuters.
Future Plans for Humanoid Robot Development
The company intends to develop its humanoid robot hardware focusing initially on household chores and aims to create AI, sensors, and software to empower robots produced and distributed by different companies. Meta has initiated discussions about its strategy with various robotics firms, including Unitree Robotics and Figure AI. As per the Bloomberg report, Meta does not have immediate plans to introduce its own branded humanoid robot. 
