Mark Zuckerberg's Meta to invest in AI-powered humanoid robots to compete with Tesla, others
A new division will be created within Meta’s Reality Labs unit.
Meta Platforms is establishing a new division within its Reality Labs unit to develop AI-powered humanoid robots that can assist with physical tasks, according to an internal company memo viewed by Reuters on Friday.
The Facebook parent is entering the competitive field of humanoid robotics, joining rivals such as Nvidia-backed Figure AI and Tesla, as the emergence of advanced AI models drives innovation in robotics and automation.
In the memo, Meta Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, said the robotics product group would focus on research and development involving “consumer humanoid robots with a goal of maximizing Llama’s platform capabilities.”
Llama is the name of Meta’s main series of AI foundation models, which power a growing suite of generative AI products on its social media platforms.
The group will be led by Marc Whitten, the former CEO of self-driving car company Cruise, whom Meta has hired for the role, Bosworth said in the memo, which was first reported by Bloomberg News.