Meta's Next Big Bet: Humanoid Robotics

Meta Platforms, the social media giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is set to make a significant investment in a new frontier: AI-powered humanoid robots. The company is forming a new division within its Reality Labs unit to develop robots that can assist with physical tasks, according to an internal memo obtained by Reuters.

The memo, written by Meta's Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth, states that the new robotics product group will 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 its social media platforms.

The group will be led by Marc Whitten, the former CEO of self-driving car company Cruise, who has been hired for the role. Whitten will report to Bosworth and is expected to hire around 100 engineers across 2025 to support the initiative.



Meta's entry into the humanoid robotics market comes as other tech giants, such as Tesla and Google, are also exploring the space. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has already unveiled plans for its humanoid robot, Optimus, which is expected to be sold to consumers in the near future. Google, through its DeepMind division, is also rumored to be working on humanoid robotics projects.

The global humanoid robot market is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, with analysts at Goldman Sachs Research estimating that the total addressable market for humanoid robots could reach $38 billion by 2035. The market for humanoid robots is expected to be driven by advances in AI, particularly in the realm of large language models, which have the potential to revolutionize the way robots interact with their environment and users.

Meta's investment in humanoid robotics is a strategic move that leverages the company's existing strengths in AI and data collection. By applying its advanced AI models and data-driven approach to robotics, Meta aims to create more capable and user-friendly robots that can assist with a wide range of tasks, from household chores to industrial applications.

However, Meta's entry into the humanoid robotics market is not without its challenges. The company will need to overcome technical hurdles, such as integrating AI with robotics hardware and ensuring the safety and reliability of its robots. Additionally, Meta will face competition from established players in the market, such as Tesla and Google, as well as new entrants looking to capitalize on the growing demand for humanoid robots.

In conclusion, Meta's investment in AI-powered humanoid robotics is a bold and strategic move that leverages the company's strengths in AI and data collection. As the global market for humanoid robots continues to grow, Meta is well-positioned to become a major player in the space, provided it can overcome the technical and competitive challenges that lie ahead.