Meta Sets Eyes on Its Next Big Bet – AI Humanoid Robots ...
Facebook’s parent company, Meta Platforms, is planning its next huge investment: AI-powered humanoid robots as it pushes into augmented reality. According to a Bloomberg report, the social networking firm is making significant investments in this category as it seeks to become a leader in futuristic robots that can act like humans and help with routine physical tasks.
Establishment of a New Unit
A new unit will be established within Meta’s hardware division, Reality Labs, which will be responsible for handling the task, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Reports indicate that Meta is not planning on building Meta-branded robots, which could directly compete with Tesla Inc.’s Optimus, although it may explore this option at later stages.
Meta will initially focus on humanoid robots for household chores. Indications are that Meta is now planning to start on its humanoid robot hardware but initially focusing on household chores. The company has bigger plans, which entail making the underlying AI, sensors, and software for robots that will be manufactured and sold by a range of companies.
Expansion and Leadership in the Industry
This initiative is also reflective of the exploratory projects of other tech giants, including Apple Inc. and Alphabet Inc.’s Google Deepmind division. Meta has confirmed this development with the formation of a new team that will be led by Marc Whitten, who resigned as CEO of General Motors Co.’s Cruise self-driving car division earlier this month.
Value Addition to Meta’s AI
Executives at Meta believe that while AI-powered humanoid robotics companies have made headway in hardware, Meta’s advances in AI and data collected from augmented and virtual reality devices may speed up progress in the industry.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Current humanoids are still not useful enough to perform small tasks like folding clothes or carrying a glass of water. Meta is already developing software, sensors, and computing packages for its devices, which is the same technology needed to support humanoids.
The Road Ahead
Pushing into humanoids is still new for Meta. AI-powered humanoids are an evolution of what companies have been doing with autonomous cars. Meta’s executives believe that humanoids are more challenging on the safety side because every home has a different layout compared to standardized city streets. The company's Fundamental AI Research Group, or FAIR, has been exploring robots’ work for months as Meta pushes its way into new territory to compete with Tesla and Nvidia.
An individual close to the developments, as cited by Bloomberg, indicated that Meta believes humanoids are still years from being widely available. This could also take the company years to underpin third-party products. However, it will be a major focus for the company and the tech industry.
