Meta’s AI-Powered Humanoid Robots: A New Era of Smart Assistants

Meta is reportedly developing AI-driven technology for humanoid robots that could help with everyday household chores. Rather than building its own Meta-branded robot, the company is focusing on creating the underlying AI, sensors, and software that manufacturers can integrate into their own hardware—essentially aiming to become "the Android of androids."

Meta’s Plan: AI-Powered Robotics for the Home

A new Reality Labs team within Meta has been formed to work on humanoid robot hardware, with an initial focus on robots that can perform household tasks such as:

• Folding laundry

• Carrying glasses of water

• Loading the dishwasher

• Other domestic chores

The company is reportedly in discussions with robotics firms like Unitree Robotics and Figure AI, exploring how its AI and sensor technology could power future consumer robots.

How Meta’s Existing AI Investments Give It an Edge

Meta believes its ongoing investments in AI and extended reality (XR) will accelerate its robotics ambitions. According to Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth, key advancements in:

• Hand tracking

• Low-bandwidth computing

• Always-on sensors

…are directly applicable to humanoid robotics and could help Meta develop next-gen AI-powered robots faster than its competitors.

"The core technologies we’ve already invested in and built across Reality Labs and AI are complementary to developing the advancements needed for robotics," Bosworth wrote in an internal memo obtained by Bloomberg. “We believe that expanding our portfolio to invest in this field will only accrue value to Meta AI and our mixed and augmented reality programs.”

The Race for Consumer Robotics: Meta vs. Tech Giants

Meta isn’t alone in pursuing AI-driven robotics:

• Tesla has already demonstrated its Optimus humanoid robot.

• Figure AI is developing Figure 01, a general-purpose humanoid robot designed for real-world tasks

• Apple is researching robotic assistants, including a Pixar-style interactive lamp that interacts with users via voice commands and gestures

• Nvidia is developing AI-driven robotics platforms and digital twin simulations to accelerate robot learning and deployment

• Amazon, Microsoft, and other major players continue to explore AI-powered automation

Meta’s robotics team is led by Marc Whitten, formerly the CEO of GM’s robotaxi division, Cruise, and an executive at Microsoft, Sonos, Unity, and Amazon.

Meta’s AI Expansion & Retail Push

Beyond robotics, Meta is ramping up AI investments, with $65 billion allocated for AI research and development. The company is also expanding its consumer tech footprint—hiring John Koryl, former CEO of luxury resale platform The RealReal, to lead its retail division.

What This Means

Meta’s entry into humanoid robotics signals a future where AI-powered household assistants could become reality. While fully functional home robots are still years away, Meta’s focus on AI, sensors, and software could position it as a key player—powering robots across multiple brands rather than competing with a single device.

If successful, Meta’s "Android of androids" approach could transform the smart home industry, making humanoid robots more accessible and integrated into everyday life.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.