Meta Platforms is establishing a brand new division inside its Actuality Labs unit to develop AI-powered humanoid robots that may help with bodily duties, in accordance with an inner firm memo seen by Reuters on Friday.
The Fb guardian is getting into the aggressive area of humanoid robotics, becoming a member of rivals corresponding to Nvidia-backed Determine AI and Tesla, because the emergence of superior AI fashions drives innovation in robotics and automation.
Within the memo, Meta Chief Know-how Officer, Andrew Bosworth, stated the robotics product group would concentrate on analysis and growth involving “consumer humanoid robots with a goal of maximizing Llama’s platform capabilities.”
Llama is the identify of Meta’s fundamental collection of AI basis fashions, which energy a rising suite of generative AI merchandise on its social media platforms.
The group will likely be led by Marc Whitten, the previous CEO of self-driving automotive firm Cruise, whom Meta has employed for the function, Bosworth stated within the memo, which was first reported by Bloomberg Information.
Main tech firms and startups are pouring billions into creating AI-powered robots for manufacturing, logistics and family duties, though progress has been sluggish as researchers discovered the language-related AI breakthroughs driving chatbot growth haven’t essentially helped with understanding of the bodily world.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has stated that the corporate’s humanoid robotic “Optimus” might carry out many every day duties and can ultimately be bought to clients.
On Thursday, Apptronik secured $350 million in funding backed by buyers together with Alphabet’s Google to scale the manufacturing of its AI-powered humanoid robots designed for duties in warehouses and manufacturing crops.
Meta didn’t instantly reply to a Reuters request for remark.
The corporate plans to develop its personal humanoid robotic {hardware}, initially concentrating on family chores, whereas aiming to create AI, sensors and software program that may energy robots manufactured and bought by varied firms, in accordance with the Bloomberg report.
Meta has began discussing its plan with robotics firms, together with Unitree Robotics and Determine AI, and doesn’t instantly plan to launch its personal branded humanoid robotic, the report stated.
