Meta tests robots handling data center work, raising concerns about layoffs

Meta is testing robots for maintaining its artificial intelligence system data centers, including machines for replacing network cables, rebooting servers, and inspecting equipment. According to WIRED, Meta has tested robots from San Francisco's Watney Robotics, Quebec's Kinova, and Zurich's ABB to reduce labor costs. An employee estimated that a successful cable replacement robot could replace up to 80% of the work in certain positions, but the machine currently cannot match human speed.

Meta's robotics program has raised concerns, with employees believing that automation may reduce the demand for experienced technicians and shift remaining work to low-wage positions operated by AI instructions. A Meta spokesperson stated that the U.S. is experiencing the largest infrastructure boom since World War II, with a severe shortage of skilled workers, and the company needs more workers, not fewer. Currently, robots still require human supervision and face challenges with obstacles, battery life, visual inspections, and handling dense cabling.

Nvidia and Alibaba are also developing systems to improve robot training. ACE Robotics Chairman Wang Xiaogang stated that embodied AI could experience a "ChatGPT moment" by the end of 2027. Additionally, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates proposed taxing robots and AI tokens, believing that the current tax system may make machines cheaper than employees.