After Musk's Tesla, Meta to develop AI-driven humanoid robots
What's the story
Meta is planning to create a new division in its Reality Labs unit to develop AI-powered humanoid robots to help with physical tasks, as per an internal company memo obtained by Reuters.
The move would put Meta in direct competition with other tech giants such as NVIDIA-backed Figure AI and Tesla, who are also venturing into humanoid robotics.
Strategic focus
New robotics division to leverage AI capabilities
The memo from Meta's Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, detailed the strategic focus of this new robotics product group.
It will focus on research and development related to "consumer humanoid robots with a goal of maximizing Llama's platform capabilities."
Llama is Meta's main series of AI foundation models powering an ever-expanding range of generative AI products across its social media platforms.
Leadership
Former Cruise CEO to lead Meta's robotics division
Marc Whitten, former CEO of autonomous vehicle company Cruise, has been appointed to lead this new group.
Whitten has a wealth of experience from his previous stints at tech giants such as Microsoft, Sonos, Unity, and Amazon.
The initial goal for Meta's humanoid robot hardware is to help with household chores while also developing AI, sensors and software that can power robots made by other companies.
Collaboration plans
Meta in talks with robotics companies, no immediate launch planned
Meta has started talks with robotics companies such as Unitree Robotics and Figure AI, but it doesn't intend to launch its self-branded humanoid robot anytime soon.
This was revealed in a Bloomberg report.
The company's long-term vision is to develop technology that can be integrated into robots manufactured and sold by other companies.