Meta initial focus will be on humanoid robot hardware designed to handle household chores. However, Meta's long-term goal is not necessarily to create Metamarque robots, but to develop AI, sensors and software that robot manufacturers can use. Bloomberg points out that Meta has already been debated with companies like Unidree Robotics and imagines imaginations about these plans.
Meta isn’t alone in this push. Tesla has been showcasing its humanoid robots, while Apple has reportedly been exploring both humanoid and non-humanoid robots for future smart home applications. Nvidia is also ramping up its robotics efforts. Meta's new robotics initiative is led by former GM general director Mark Witten, and is the Cruise Robotaxis division that is no longer present. Witten brings previous executive post experiences on Microsoft, Sonos, Unity and Amazon. In addition to robotics, Meta doubles AI, with mass investments of $65 billion. He also hired former RealReal CEO John Koril to manage Meta's retail business, strengthening his retail impulse towards smart glasses.
