| Key Points: – Meta forms new robotics team within Reality Labs, led by former Cruise executive Marc Whitten – Company aims to develop AI platform and software for third-party robot manufacturers – Initial focus on household robots with $65 billion investment planned for AI and related technologies |
Meta Platforms (META) is making an aggressive push into the AI-powered humanoid robotics market, signaling CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s latest ambitious bet beyond social media. The tech giant is establishing a dedicated team within its Reality Labs division, positioning itself to compete in a space already occupied by Tesla’s Optimus and Boston Dynamics.
According to internal communications reviewed by Bloomberg, Meta’s strategy differs from its competitors by focusing on developing the underlying AI, sensors, and software platform that other manufacturers can use to build and sell robots. This approach mirrors the successful Android model in smartphones, potentially creating an ecosystem where Meta’s technology powers various third-party humanoid robots.
The initiative will be spearheaded by Marc Whitten, who recently departed as CEO of General Motors’ Cruise self-driving unit. Meta has authorized headcount for approximately 100 engineers in 2025, highlighting the company’s serious commitment to the project.
Meta’s CTO Andrew Bosworth emphasized that the company’s existing investments in Reality Labs and AI provide complementary technologies for robotics development. The tech giant plans to leverage its expertise in hand tracking, low-bandwidth computing, and always-on sensors – technologies initially developed for AR and VR applications.
The company has already initiated discussions with robotics manufacturers, including Unitree Robotics and Figure AI Inc. While Meta isn’t currently planning to release its own branded robot, sources familiar with the matter indicate this could change in the future.
This move comes as part of Meta’s broader $65 billion investment planned for 2025, encompassing AI infrastructure and robotics development. The company is particularly focused on solving challenges in household robotics, aiming to create robots capable of performing complex tasks like folding clothes or loading dishwashers – capabilities that current humanoid robots struggle with.
Industry analysts note that while Tesla’s Optimus is targeting a $30,000 price point for consumers, Meta’s platform approach could potentially accelerate the development of more affordable and capable robots across multiple manufacturers.
Wall Street analysts have responded positively to the news, with several major firms upgrading their price targets for Meta stock. “This strategic move into robotics leverages Meta’s AI capabilities and could open up a new revenue stream in the rapidly growing robotics market, estimated to reach $230 billion by 2030,” noted Sarah Chen, tech analyst at Morgan Stanley.
The company’s focus on safety features has also drawn attention, with Meta developing specialized tools to address concerns about power management and human-robot interaction. These safety protocols could become industry standards, potentially giving Meta a competitive edge in regulatory compliance.
The timeline for widespread availability remains uncertain, with sources suggesting it could take several years before Meta’s platform is ready for third-party products. However, the company’s substantial investment and focus on home automation could position it as a key player in the emerging consumer robotics market.