Meta is reportedly venturing into the world of robotics with an ambitious goal of creating humanoid robots designed to assist with everyday household tasks. Drawing inspiration from classic sci-fi depictions like The Jetsons’ Rosey the Robot, Meta aims to revolutionize domestic life by leveraging its advancements in AI and augmented reality.
Meta’s Vision: The Android of Androids
According to Bloomberg, Meta is building a new team within its Reality Labs division to focus on this exciting initiative. While the company will initially develop robot hardware, its ultimate ambition is to become the Android of humanoid robots. Just as Google’s Android powers most smartphones, Meta aims to create the underlying software, AI, and sensors that other companies can incorporate into their robotic hardware.
The company’s short-term focus will center around household chores. Tasks such as folding laundry, carrying glasses of water, and loading the dishwasher are among the chores that Meta hopes its humanoid robots will handle in the near future. However, while this vision might excite some, it also raises concerns, especially with the risk of encountering the same safety issues seen with robots like the Unitree G1, which made headlines at CES for its aggressive behavior.
Early Collaborations and Potential Partnerships
Meta has reportedly engaged in early talks with companies like Unitree, known for its quadruped robots, and Figure AI, a California-based humanoid robot maker. Figure AI is backed by major investors like OpenAI, Nvidia, and Jeff Bezos, indicating the significant interest in this emerging field. These partnerships could give Meta the resources needed to bring its futuristic vision to life.
A Few Years Away, but Not Impossible
While humanoid robots capable of handling household tasks may seem like a distant dream, Meta is optimistic about the progress it’s making in AI and XR technologies. According to Andrew Bosworth, Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, the company’s advancements in hand tracking, low-bandwidth computing, and always-on sensors provide a solid foundation for robotics. Meta believes that this investment will not only enhance its AI and mixed-reality programs but also pave the way for more sophisticated home robots.
Meta isn’t the only tech giant exploring this frontier. Apple and Google have also been investing in robotics, with both companies publishing research papers on the subject. Although a world of robot assistants may still be a few years away, Meta’s efforts bring us one step closer to turning the sci-fi fantasy of The Jetsons into reality.
For more details, visit the original source: Engadget.