Meta is testing robots for maintenance work inside data centers that support its artificial intelligence systems, according to WIRED. The trial includes machines designed to swap network cables, reboot servers and inspect equipment, with robots from San Francisco-based Watney Robotics, Quebec-based Kinova and Zurich-based ABB taking part. The effort is aimed in part at reducing labor costs.
An employee estimated that a successful cable-swapping robot could replace as much as 80% of the work in some roles, though the machine is still slower than a human. The program has also raised concerns among employees, who worry that automation could reduce demand for experienced technicians while shifting remaining tasks to lower-paid workers following AI instructions.
Meta said the US is in its biggest infrastructure boom since World War II and that skilled workers are in short supply, meaning the company needs more workers, not fewer. For now, the robots still require human supervision and continue to struggle with obstacles, battery life, visual inspection and dense cable environments. WIRED also noted that Nvidia and Alibaba are developing systems to improve robot training, while ACE Robotics chairman Wang Xiaogang said embodied AI could reach a "ChatGPT moment" by the end of 2027. Separately, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has proposed taxing robots and AI tokens.
Meta is testing robots to handle maintenance work in data centers that support its artificial intelligence systems, including swapping network cables, rebooting servers and inspecting equipment, according to WIRED. The company has tested robots from San Francisco-based Watney Robotics, Quebec-based Kinova and Zurich-based ABB as part of an effort to reduce labor costs.
Data center maintenance is the focus
One employee estimated that a successful cable-swapping robot could replace as much as 80% of the work in some roles. Even so, the machine is not yet as fast as a human worker.
Employees raise concerns over automation
Meta’s robotics program has triggered concern among employees, who believe automation could reduce the need for experienced technicians and shift the remaining work to lower-paid roles operating under AI instructions.
Meta says skilled labor remains in short supply
A Meta spokesperson said the US is in the biggest infrastructure boom since World War II and that skilled workers are in severe shortage, so the company needs more workers rather than fewer.
For now, the robots still need human supervision. They also continue to face difficulties with obstacles, battery life, visual inspection and handling dense cable setups.
Other companies are also working on robot training
WIRED said Nvidia and Alibaba are also developing systems to improve robot training. Wang Xiaogang, chairman of ACE Robotics, said embodied AI could reach a "ChatGPT moment" by the end of 2027.
Separately, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has proposed taxing robots and AI tokens, arguing that the current tax system may make machines cheaper than employees.
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