Meta is testing robots capable of plugging in cables, resetting servers, and performing other tasks inside its data centers, according to several current and former workers familiar with the projects.
What Happened
The ongoing effort may eventually allow Meta to operate its rapidly expanding data center footprint with fewer humans, keeping labor costs in check as its spending on AI infrastructure soars. The company is using robots and related hardware from several vendors including Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB, according to workers who asked to remain anonymous because they weren't authorized to speak to the media. In one experiment, Meta is evaluating whether a Kinova Gen3 robotic arm could be used for power cycling or cutting off electricity to servers. The company is also testing a different robot to swap networking cables.
Why It Matters
The initiative reflects broader pressure on major tech companies to manage rising infrastructure costs as AI development intensifies. If successful, the automation could significantly reshape data center operations, where physical maintenance tasks have traditionally required human workers. One Meta data center worker estimates that if the technology works, it could replace up to 80 percent of some people's workloads. "We thought those of us performing the physical tasks were safe for a while, but not anymore," the worker said. "It's coming for us all, unfortunately."
The Bottom Line
Meta's robot testing in its data centers remains ongoing and experimental. Kinova and ABB declined to comment, and Watney Robotics did not respond to requests for comment.