Meta Platforms is establishing a new division within its Reality Labs unit to develop artificial intelligence-powered humanoid robots that are expected to be capable of helping humans perform physical tasks.
The mentioned information is in the internal memo of the specified technology giant, the contents of which were viewed by media representatives.
Meta is entering the competitive race for humanoid robotics. Nvidia, Figure AI, and Tesla are already participants in the relevant process. It’s worth noting that the emergence of advanced artificial intelligence models is driving innovation in the area of robotics and automation.
In the memo, Meta chief technology officer Andrew Bosworth stated that the robotics product group will focus on the research and development involving consumer humanoid robots as part of the goal of maximizing the capabilities of the Llama platform. Llama is the name of the main series of artificial intelligence foundation models from the technology giant.
The group will be led by Marc Whitten, the former chief executive officer of self-driving car company Cruise, whom Meta has hired as vice president of robotics.
The technology giant did not respond to a media request for comment regarding intentions in the robotics area.
In this case, it is obvious that Meta is betting heavily on Reality Labs, which is developing technologies to drive future growth but is facing financial difficulties. In the fourth quarter of last year, this unit lost about $5 billion.
According to media reports, Meta plans to develop hardware for humanoid robots, initially targeting household chores. The technology giant also intends to elaborate artificial intelligence, sensors, and software that can power robots.
It is worth noting that many have high hopes for AI in the context of the expectation of a breakthrough in the area of robotics. Artificial intelligence can potentially become a kind of virtual brain of robots. The idea of mass use of robots has not been new for a long time, but it has not yet become a material part of the objective technological reality of mankind.
Large companies and startups are investing billions of dollars in the development of artificial intelligence-powered devices. In this case, the main goals are focused on offering functional solutions for the manufacturing sector, logistics, and everyday household use. At the same time, progress in the area of robotics has not yet been achieved. Researchers have found that breakthroughs in the industry of artificial intelligence do not necessarily contribute to understanding the physical world.
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