Meta is reportedly investing significantly in the development of humanoid robots, referred to internally as “Metabot.” This initiative follows a recent announcement by Andrew Bosworth, the company’s Chief Technology Officer, who mentioned that the effort is part of a broader strategy directed by CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Bosworth indicated that the main challenges in creating these robots lie not with the hardware, but with the software. He emphasized the complexities involved in dexterous manipulation—a key capability necessary for tasks like picking up objects. In a demonstration, Bosworth highlighted that while robots can perform basic movements, manipulating delicate items remains a significant challenge.
The company is also planning to license its software platform to other manufacturers, similar to how Google operates with phone makers. This approach suggests a focus on software development rather than hardware production.
Collaborations with Meta’s new Superintelligence AI lab aim to establish a “world model” for effective software simulation, which is crucial for navigating environments and interacting with objects. Bosworth noted that there is currently a lack of a robust sensor loop for achieving the dexterity seen in humans.
With significant talent acquisition—including Marc Whitten, former CEO of Cruise, and leading roboticist Sangbae Kim—Meta appears committed to enhancing its robotics capabilities. However, Bosworth acknowledged the competitive landscape, with other companies vying to become foundational providers of technology for humanoids.
The overall robotics strategy at Meta remains in development. Bosworth indicated that although they are investing substantial resources, the precise requirements for dexterously advanced robots differ from what competitors like Tesla are pursuing. In closing, Bosworth stated that simpler designs might suffice, indicating that less complexity could still meet their goals.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/column/786759/humanoid-robots-meta