Introduction to Meta’s New Project

If you’re disappointed with your Roomba and wish it were more like Rosey the Robot from The Jetsons, Meta might have a solution for you. According to a report by Bloomberg, Meta is planning to invest heavily in AI-powered humanoid robots that can assist with household chores, such as folding laundry.

Meta’s Plans for Humanoid Robots

Meta is creating a new team within its Reality Labs hardware division, which is responsible for developing Quest VR headsets and the Orion AR glasses project. Although Meta will build robot hardware during development, its long-term goal is to create a software platform that other companies can use to build their own humanoid robots. This approach is similar to Android, where Google provides the software platform that most of the industry uses.

Focus on Household Chores

Initially, Meta plans to focus on household chores, such as folding laundry, carrying glasses of water, and putting dinnerware in the dishwasher. The company has reportedly held discussions with Unitree, a Chinese robotics company, and Figure AI, a California-based humanoid robot maker. These discussions suggest that Meta is serious about developing advanced humanoid robots that can assist with various tasks.

The Current State of Humanoid Robots

While today’s humanoid robots are not advanced enough to perform tasks like Rosey, Meta believes that its investments in AI and XR (extended reality) are laying the groundwork for the development of more advanced robots. The company’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, reportedly views Meta’s progress in hand tracking, low-bandwidth computing, and always-on sensors as advantages in developing humanoid robots.

Other Companies’ Efforts in Robotics

Meta is not alone in exploring the development of humanoid robots. Apple and Google are also working on robotics, and both companies have published research papers on their efforts. While flying cars may still be a distant dream, the development of humanoid robots like Rosey is becoming increasingly feasible.

Conclusion

Meta’s plans to develop AI-powered humanoid robots that can assist with household chores mark an exciting development in the field of robotics. With its investments in AI and XR, Meta is well-positioned to make significant advancements in this area. As other companies like Apple and Google also explore robotics, we can expect to see significant progress in the coming years.