Meta has unveiled its plans to enter the robotics sector, aiming to develop artificial intelligence (AI) platforms, sensor technologies, and foundational systems to power humanoid robots.
In its robotics push, Meta is launching a new division within its research unit Reality Labs to develop AI-powered humanoid robots, aiming to integrate its Llama models. Led by ex-Cruise CEO Marc Whitten, the team targets robotics applications for household tasks.
The company, known for its extensive work in artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR), seeks to collaborate with third-party robotics manufacturers like Unitree Robotics and Figure AI instead of directly producing robots.
This strategic approach mirrors the role of Android in the smartphone market, positioning Meta as a supplier of core technology for a broader ecosystem of robotic systems.
Meta’s Reality Labs division, which leads its AR and mixed-reality projects, has been key in shaping the company’s robotics ambitions. Andrew Bosworth, Meta’s chief technology officer, highlighted this connection in an internal memo obtained by Bloomberg, stating, “The core technologies we’ve already invested in and built across Reality Labs and AI are complementary to developing the advancements needed for robotics.”
The initiative builds on the company’s AI expertise, including investments of over $65 billion in 2024 alone, a clear sign of its commitment to expanding its influence beyond social media and AR.
The competitive field of humanoid robotics is already populated by major players such as Tesla and Nvidia. Tesla’s Optimus robot has shown its capabilities in automating repetitive tasks in factories, while Nvidia’s Mega Omniverse platform uses AI-powered digital twins to streamline supply chain operations.
Digital twins, virtual simulations of real-world environments, allow industries to test and refine workflows before applying them on-site. Meta’s strategy, however, focuses on providing the software and hardware platforms that could unify these efforts across manufacturers.
The Role of AI and Tactile Sensors in Robotics
At the heart of Meta’s robotics efforts is the development of training frameworks for robotics and advanced AI and sensor technology. One of its key innovations is the Digit 360 tactile sensor, unveiled in 2024 through a partnership with GelSight.
Designed to mimic human touch, the sensor can detect pressure, texture, and temperature, enabling robots to perform intricate tasks with precision. The Digit 360 sensor combines optical systems with AI to enable robots to “react instantaneously to physical stimuli.”
For robotics training, the company last December unveiled Meta Motivo, a cutting-edge artificial intelligence model that redefines how virtual humanoid agents learn and interact. The new new system leverages a sophisticated algorithm to enable lifelike motion and decision-making across a range of tasks without requiring specialized training.
Meta Motivo represents a significant leap forward in what is called embodied AI, promising applications in gaming, simulation, and immersive virtual experiences.
These technological advancements align with Meta’s larger goal of creating scalable AI platforms that can serve as the foundation for a variety of robotic applications. Early collaborations with companies like Figure AI highlight this strategy.
Figure AI recently deployed its humanoid robot Figure 02 in commercial settings, demonstrating how advanced AI can enable robots to interpret instructions and make autonomous decisions. Meta’s technologies could play a crucial role in enabling such capabilities across the robotics industry.
Meta’s Collaborative Approach to Robotics
Unlike competitors such as Tesla and Nvidia, Meta’s strategy emphasizes collaboration over direct hardware production. The company’s focus on developing AI and sensor platforms allows it to work alongside robotics manufacturers rather than compete with them.
This approach could position Meta as a unifying force in the robotics industry, creating a shared ecosystem where diverse hardware systems operate seamlessly on the same software foundation.
Meta’s partnerships with companies like Unitree Robotics and Figure AI illustrate this strategy. By providing the underlying technology for humanoid robots, Meta can accelerate the adoption of advanced robotics solutions without bearing the operational risks of hardware manufacturing.
This mirrors how Android transformed the smartphone market, enabling multiple manufacturers to build devices that share a common operating system. If successful, Meta’s robotics platforms could have a similar impact, driving innovation and standardization across the industry.
Regulatory Challenges
Meta’s robotics efforts, which rely heavily on AI platforms and data-driven algorithms, will need to align with evolving global frameworks to ensure compliance. Failure to meet these standards could limit the company’s ability to expand its technologies into key markets.
Ethical challenges also extend to the societal implications of humanoid robots. Critics warn of potential job displacement, particularly in sectors that rely on manual labor, as well as the risks of surveillance misuse in home and workplace settings.
Meta’s position as a technology provider means its AI platforms will directly influence how third-party manufacturers address these issues. The company will need to work closely with its partners to ensure that its systems are designed responsibly and adhere to the highest ethical standards.
The Growth of the Robotics Market
The robotics market is poised for rapid growth, with projections from ABI Research estimating that annual shipments of humanoid robots will increase from 1,000 units in 2025 to 182,000 units by 2030.
This surge is driven by advancements in AI, sensor technology, and machine learning, which have made humanoid robots more capable and cost-effective. From factory automation to healthcare, these machines are being deployed in an expanding range of industries, transforming the way businesses operate.
Meta’s entry into this space is timely, as the demand for scalable AI platforms and advanced sensors grows alongside the adoption of robotics. The company’s work on the Meta AI ecosystem, combined with its expertise in AR and machine learning, positions it to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of robotic technologies.
However, the success of this strategy will depend on Meta’s ability to navigate regulatory challenges, address ethical concerns, and maintain strong partnerships with industry leaders.
