Meta plans investments into AI-driven humanoid robots | The Future of Robotics
Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, is making strides in the field of humanoid robotics with the establishment of a new division within its Reality Labs unit. According to an internal company memo seen by REUTERS, Meta is venturing into the development of AI-powered humanoid robots aimed at assisting with physical tasks. This move comes as advanced AI models are driving innovation in robotics and automation, with Meta joining the ranks of competitors such as Nvidia-backed Figure AI and Tesla.
Focus on AI Research and Development
In the memo, Meta's Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, outlined the company's focus on developing consumer humanoid robots leveraging Meta's main series of AI foundation models known as Llama. The robotics product group will concentrate on research and development to maximize the platform capabilities of Llama, which power various generative AI products on Meta's social media platforms.
Expansion into Retail and Hardware
Alongside the robotics division, Meta has also hired John Koryl as the vice president of retail to enhance direct-to-consumer sales efforts for Meta's Quest mixed reality headsets and AI wearables like Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. The company aims to establish retail locations, such as the Meta Lab store in Los Angeles, to offer a hands-on experience to consumers.
Collaboration and Future Outlook
Meta has initiated discussions with robotics companies like Unitree Robotics and Figure AI to explore collaborative opportunities in the development of humanoid robots. While Meta plans to create its own hardware for household chores initially, it also envisions providing AI, sensors, and software to enable other companies to manufacture and sell robots.
With a focus on embodied AI and spatial intelligence, Meta aims to push the boundaries of AI technology to better understand and interact with the physical world. This ambitious undertaking aligns with industry trends, as major tech players and startups alike invest heavily in AI-driven robotics solutions.
As Meta forges ahead with its foray into humanoid robotics, the company is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of robotics and AI integration.
