Meta Expands AI Ambitions with Investment in Humanoid Robotics
Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) is making a significant push into the field of artificial intelligence-driven humanoid robotics, signaling a new direction for the tech giant. According to an internal company memo viewed by Reuters, the Facebook parent company is creating a dedicated division within its Reality Labs unit to research and develop AI-powered humanoid robots capable of assisting with physical tasks.
This move places Meta in direct competition with several established players in the field, including Nvidia-backed Figure AI and Tesla, both of which have already made strides in humanoid robotics. As advancements in artificial intelligence continue to accelerate, tech companies are increasingly investing in automation and robotics to expand the scope of AI applications beyond software-based tools.
Meta’s Vision for Humanoid Robotics
In an internal memo, Meta’s Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth outlined the company’s strategic objectives for its new robotics division. The primary focus will be on developing consumer humanoid robots that leverage the capabilities of Meta’s AI foundation model, Llama. Llama serves as the core AI engine behind the company’s generative AI products, which are integrated across Meta’s various social media platforms.
“We believe expanding our portfolio to invest in this field will only accrue value to Meta AI and our mixed and augmented reality programs,” Bosworth stated in the memo.
The new robotics unit will be led by Marc Whitten, a seasoned executive and former CEO of the self-driving car company Cruise. Whitten has been hired as Meta’s Vice President of Robotics, a move that underscores the company’s commitment to assembling top talent for this ambitious initiative.
Strategic Expansion in AI Hardware and Retail
In addition to its foray into humanoid robotics, Meta is also strengthening its direct-to-consumer retail operations. The company recently appointed John Koryl, the former CEO of second-hand e-commerce company The RealReal, as Vice President of Retail. Koryl’s role will involve expanding Meta’s direct sales efforts for its hardware products, including the Quest mixed reality headsets and AI-integrated wearables such as the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which the company produces in partnership with eyewear manufacturer EssilorLuxottica.
Meta has already been experimenting with retail initiatives, having opened its first Meta Lab temporary store in Los Angeles in November 2024. While Meta will continue relying on retail partners to drive the bulk of hardware sales, Bosworth emphasized that the company seeks to develop “more direct expertise in the space” by expanding its retail presence.
Meta’s Investment in AI-Powered Robotics Amid Financial Losses
The decision to expand into humanoid robotics comes at a time when Meta’s Reality Labs unit has been under scrutiny for its financial performance. Despite its ambitious focus on cutting-edge technologies, Reality Labs reported a staggering $5 billion loss in the fourth quarter of 2024. However, Meta remains committed to investing in long-term AI and robotics research, viewing these areas as critical to the company’s future growth.
Major technology firms and startups alike are pouring billions into the development of AI-powered devices aimed at revolutionizing industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and even household tasks. However, progress in robotics has been slower than anticipated. While AI has demonstrated remarkable advancements in language processing and chatbot development, applying similar breakthroughs to the physical world has proven to be a greater challenge.
Meta’s Research in Embodied AI and the Future of Robotics
For several years, Meta has been funding research into embodied AI—a concept focused on creating AI systems that can perceive and interact with the three-dimensional physical world. The goal is to develop AI assistants capable of processing visual, auditory, and spatial information in real-time, enabling them to perform complex tasks beyond simple voice commands.
Yann LeCun, Meta’s Chief AI Scientist, has been a vocal advocate for developing AI models that move beyond language-based intelligence. He has frequently highlighted the limitations of current AI models in understanding and navigating physical environments, pushing for new AI architectures better suited to robotics applications.
Meta’s entry into humanoid robotics also aligns with broader trends in the industry. In 2024, prominent computer scientist Fei-Fei Li launched World Labs, a startup focused on spatial intelligence—a critical component for AI-powered robots that must navigate and interact with the physical world effectively. Similarly, Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, has been showcased as a potential solution for performing household and industrial tasks, with CEO Elon Musk stating that it will eventually be available for purchase by consumers.
On the investment front, Apptronik recently secured $350 million in funding, backed by major investors including Alphabet’s Google. The company aims to scale the production of AI-powered humanoid robots designed for tasks in warehouses and manufacturing plants, reinforcing the growing interest in the field.
Meta’s Collaboration with Robotics Companies and Hardware Plans
According to a Bloomberg report, Meta intends to develop its own humanoid robot hardware, initially focusing on automating household tasks. However, rather than solely producing and selling Meta-branded robots, the company plans to create AI software, sensors, and robotics components that could be integrated into third-party robotics systems.
To advance its robotics ambitions, Meta has reportedly started discussions with several robotics companies, including Unitree Robotics and Figure AI. However, the company currently has no immediate plans to launch a humanoid robot under its own brand. Instead, Meta appears to be positioning itself as a key player in developing the AI infrastructure that will power the next generation of humanoid robots.
Conclusion: Meta’s Expanding AI and Robotics Ambitions
Meta’s decision to enter the humanoid robotics sector signals a significant expansion of its AI ambitions. While the company has already established itself as a leader in generative AI and augmented reality, its investment in AI-powered robotics represents a new frontier. By leveraging its expertise in artificial intelligence, Meta hopes to build robots that can perform complex tasks in both domestic and industrial settings.
However, the company faces several challenges. The robotics field remains in its early stages, and significant technological hurdles must be overcome before AI-powered humanoid robots become widely available. Additionally, Meta’s Reality Labs unit continues to report heavy financial losses, raising questions about the sustainability of these investments in the short term.
Despite these challenges, Meta’s move into humanoid robotics reflects a broader industry trend toward AI-driven automation. With major players such as Tesla, Figure AI, and Google-backed Apptronik all competing in this space, the coming years are likely to see rapid advancements in AI-powered robotics—potentially reshaping industries and everyday life.
