Meta Platforms Inc. is gearing up for a significant leap into the world of humanoid robotics, with plans to develop robots capable of assisting with physical tasks. According to a recent Bloomberg report, the tech giant has formed a specialized team within its Reality Labs hardware division to spearhead this innovative project. The group’s primary focus will be the development of robotics hardware that could potentially handle everyday household chores.
Leading the new robotics initiative is Marc Whitten, formerly CEO of the autonomous vehicle company Cruise. Whitten’s extensive experience also includes key positions at Amazon, Microsoft, and Sonos, as noted in his LinkedIn profile. Under his leadership, the team will not only build hardware but also design sophisticated software and AI systems to power these robotic assistants.
Interestingly, Meta’s objective isn’t to release a branded consumer robot—at least not in the project’s early stages. Instead, the company’s executives, including CTO Andrew Bosworth, envision Meta as a foundational player in the robotics industry. They aim to provide core hardware and software infrastructure for robotics companies, similar to how Google established Android as the dominant platform in the smartphone market.
In pursuit of this vision, Meta has reportedly initiated discussions with several robotics firms, including Unitree Robotics and Figure AI, to explore potential collaborations and prototype development. By aligning with external partners, Meta hopes to accelerate its entry into the market and establish itself as a key player in the evolving robotics landscape.
