Meta Platforms is venturing into humanoid robotics, creating a specialized division within its Reality Labs unit to develop AI-powered robots designed for physical tasks. This move places the social media giant alongside competitors like Tesla and Figure AI, a company backed by Nvidia, in the expanding field of robotics and automation.
Meta Platforms Plans to Capture Humanoid Robotics Market
An internal memo viewed by Reuters revealed that Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, outlined the company’s vision for integrating robotics with its AI capabilities. He emphasized that the new product group would focus on “consumer humanoid robots with a goal of maximizing Llama’s platform capabilities.” Llama is the company’s core AI model, which supports various generative AI tools across its social media platforms.
Bosworth expressed confidence in the initiative, stating, “We believe expanding our portfolio to invest in this field will only accrue value to Meta AI and our mixed and augmented reality programs.” The company aims to leverage its expertise in artificial intelligence to push forward innovations in robotics and immersive technology.
To lead the new division, the tech giant has brought in Marc Whitten as vice president of robotics. Whitten, formerly the CEO of autonomous vehicle firm Cruise, will oversee research and development efforts in this space. Additionally, John Koryl, the former CEO of second-hand e-commerce platform The RealReal, has been appointed as vice president of retail. Koryl will drive the tech firm’s direct-to-consumer strategy for its hardware products, including Quest mixed reality headsets and AI-powered Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which was developed in partnership with EssilorLuxottica.
The company is also exploring new ways to sell its hardware. Moreover, it recently tested retail expansion with the Meta Lab pop-up store in Los Angeles, launched in November. While retail partners will continue to handle most of the company’s hardware sales, Bosworth indicated that Meta intends to “build more direct expertise in the space” by expanding its retail presence.
Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-14/meta-plans-major-investment-into-ai-powered-humanoid-robots
Latest Articles
OpenAI Executives Use AI for Routine Tasks, Not Just Innovation
Dell Close to Securing $5B AI Server Deal with Elon Musk’s xAI
AI Investments Surge with Global IT Spending Set to Rise 9% in 2025
What is your reaction?
