Meta Platforms is making a bold entry into humanoid robotics by establishing a new division within its Reality Labs unit. According to an internal memo seen by Reuters, the company is set to develop AI-powered humanoid robots designed to assist with everyday physical tasks, marking its entry into a competitive field alongside rivals like Nvidia-backed Figure AI and Tesla.
Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, explained that the new robotics division will focus on researching and developing consumer-focused robots, leveraging the capabilities of Meta’s flagship AI foundation models, Llama.
“We believe expanding our portfolio in this field will add substantial value to Meta AI and our mixed and augmented reality programs,” Bosworth said.
The division will be led by Marc Whitten, former CEO of Cruise, who has been appointed vice president of robotics. Additionally, Meta has hired John Koryl, formerly the CEO of The RealReal, as vice president of retail, to enhance direct-to-consumer sales of its Quest mixed reality headsets and Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.
Meta’s strategy involves developing its own humanoid robot hardware, initially targeting household chores, while also creating the AI, sensors, and software necessary to power robots that can be manufactured and sold by other companies. The company is already in discussions with robotics firms like Unitree Robotics and Figure AI, though it does not plan to launch a branded robot immediately.
This move represents a major bet on Meta’s Reality Labs unit, which has been pivotal in pioneering technologies for future growth despite recent financial losses. Meta has long invested in “embodied AI” research to develop systems that can navigate the physical world, a pursuit championed by its top AI scientist, Yann LeCun.
The burgeoning field of AI-driven robotics is witnessing significant investments across the board, with recent funding rounds, such as Apptronik’s $350 million raise backed by Alphabet’s Google, underscoring the industry’s momentum. With its new venture, Meta aims to accelerate innovation in robotics and redefine how everyday tasks are automated, promising to reshape the future of consumer technology.
