Meta plans investments into AI-driven humanoid robots, memo shows

Meta plans to develop its own humanoid robot hardware, initially targeting household chores, while aiming to create AI.

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.

Facebook parent Meta 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 the company's social media platforms.

"We believe expanding our portfolio to invest in this field will only accrue value to Meta AI and our mixed and augmented reality programs," Bosworth wrote.

The group will be led by Marc Whitten, the former CEO of self-driving car company Cruise, whom Meta has hired as vice president of robotics, Bosworth said in the memo. The news was first reported by Bloomberg News.

Bosworth said the company also hired John Koryl as vice president of retail. Koryl, who was formerly CEO of second-hand e-commerce company The RealReal, was hired to expand efforts to sell directly to consumers Meta's Quest mixed reality headsets and AI wearables such as Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which Meta makes with eyewear maker EssilorLuxottica.