Meta
Technology company whose Reality Labs and FAIR groups develop embodied AI, humanoid robotics, and Quest VR/AR hardware.
Meta Platforms, Inc. is a U.S. technology company headquartered in Menlo Park, California, best known for its social platforms but with significant and growing work in embodied AI, robotics, and immersive hardware relevant to robotics. Through Reality Labs, Meta designs and manufactures Quest mixed-reality headsets and Ray-Ban smart glasses, hardware that incorporates computer vision, spatial sensing, hand and eye tracking, and on-device perception applicable to embodied systems. Meta's Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) group conducts research into embodied AI, building agents and models that perceive, navigate, and act in 3D physical environments, and has released open research, datasets, and simulators in this area.
In 2025 Meta established a dedicated robotics division within the organization that oversees its AR and VR platforms, led by vice president of robotics Marc Whitten (formerly CEO of Cruise), with Li-Chen Miller as the first robotics product manager and contributions from engineer Ning Li and MIT roboticist Sangbae Kim. The group is reported to be developing a humanoid assistant referenced internally as Metabot, and Meta has acquired robotics talent, including an Assured Robot Intelligence team focused on making humanoid robots safe and reliable in real-world settings. Meta's robotics strategy centers on combining its AI foundation models, perception hardware, and simulation capabilities to advance general-purpose embodied agents. The company operates globally and invests heavily across AI research, hardware engineering, and robotics, positioning embodied AI as an extension of its Reality Labs platform efforts rather than a standalone product line.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
Meta Quest
Mixed-reality headset with computer vision, spatial sensing, and hand and eye tracking.
Contact Meta
WEBSITE
https://www.meta.comHEADQUARTERS
United States
Company Facts
Founded
2004
Primary Role
Research Institute
Company Size
-
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
-
Certifications & Memberships
New Hypothesis Links Metabolic Syndrome to Cognitive Impairment and Smell Dysfunction
Researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and Methodist Hospital proposed a new hypothesis in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience. They suggest that metabolic syndrome may block the brain's waste removal pathways, leading to olfactory dysfunction, an early symptom of dementia. The study highlights that olfactory dysfunction often precedes memory and motor impairments in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The researchers indicate that metabolic syndrome, characterized by conditions like hypertension and obesity, disrupts autonomic balance, causing blood vessels in the nasal cavity to swell and obstruct lymphatic drainage. As the brain's waste disposal function becomes impaired, harmful proteins accumulate near olfactory nerves, resulting in smell dysfunction before cognitive decline. This phenomenon is not only observed in neurodegenerative diseases but also in conditions like depression and traumatic brain injury. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Oak Ridge and Idaho National Labs 3D Print Nuclear Pressure Vessel for US Reactor Expansion
The United States is leveraging large-scale metal 3D printing to overcome manufacturing challenges in its nuclear expansion efforts. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) are collaborating to develop wire arc additive manufacturing for industrial pressure vessels, which are essential for withstanding extreme conditions in nuclear applications. This innovative technology addresses the limited domestic forging capacity that could hinder the country's nuclear projects. ORNL recently showcased the process by successfully printing a nuclear-relevant pressure vessel using the MedUSA platform, which coordinates three robotic arms to create complex metal structures. The collaboration aims to ensure that these components meet stringent nuclear requirements while reducing qualification timelines through real-time monitoring and data analysis. Looking ahead, ORNL and INL are focused on integrating large-scale additive manufacturing with digital engineering to produce high-integrity pressure vessels. This approach could not only support the nuclear sector but also have implications for aerospace, defense, and other industries requiring robust components. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI and Robotics Energy
Why Contractors in Saskatchewan Favor Steel Structures for Commercial Projects
Contractors in Saskatchewan are increasingly opting for steel structures in their commercial projects due to the challenges posed by harsh weather conditions. These metal buildings offer the durability and flexibility needed to maintain project schedules and meet client expectations, especially during severe seasonal climate changes. The preference for steel buildings is significant as they provide reliable strength, which is crucial for contractors facing heavy snowfall and strong prairie winds. This reliability not only enhances contractor confidence but also fosters positive reputations among property owners, who appreciate the protection these structures offer for their assets. Looking ahead, the trend towards steel structures is expected to continue as contractors seek to streamline construction phases and improve project organization. The use of prefabricated components is likely to remain a key factor in reducing site confusion and enhancing workflow efficiency, ultimately benefiting both contractors and clients alike. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Construction Design Engineering Materials agricultural buildings building materials
Meta Launches Pocket App for Vibe-Coding and Game Sharing in the U.S.
Meta has officially launched its vibe-coding gaming app, Pocket, to users in the U.S. after a test rollout in Brazil. The app allows users to create interactive games using AI prompts, which can be shared on a scrollable feed. These games, referred to as 'gizmos,' respond to user interactions and can incorporate sound effects and personal media. The introduction of Pocket is part of Meta's broader strategy to mainstream AI creation tools, following previous initiatives like AI-generated images and videos. CEO Mark Zuckerberg highlighted the role of AI in accelerating software development, enabling faster testing and deployment of new applications. Pocket joins a suite of recent Meta applications, including Instagram Instants and Forum, showcasing the company's commitment to innovation. As Pocket replaces the original app from Atma Sciences, Meta continues to explore new ideas and leverage its recommendation systems for scaling. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI Apps Gaming Social Meta vibe-coding
China Restricts Exports of Key Optical and Aerospace Metals to Taiwan
China has begun to restrict or delay exports of essential aerospace and optical materials to Taiwan, leading to significant supply chain disruptions in the region's technology sector. This move affects materials such as germanium and quartz, which are critical for various industries. The implications of these restrictions are profound, as Taiwan relies heavily on these materials for its tech manufacturing processes. The bottlenecks created by these export delays could hinder production capabilities and impact the broader supply chain, which is already under pressure from global economic conditions. Looking ahead, industry stakeholders will need to monitor the situation closely, as further restrictions could exacerbate existing challenges in securing necessary materials. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
3D-Printed Auxetic Metamaterial Robot Developed for Navigating Complex Pipeline Geometries
A new 3D-printed auxetic metamaterial robot has been developed to enhance adaptive navigation in pipelines featuring complex geometries. This innovative design allows the robot to deform and adapt its shape, enabling it to maneuver through challenging environments effectively. The significance of this development lies in its potential applications across various industries, particularly in maintenance and inspection tasks within intricate pipeline systems. By utilizing auxetic materials, the robot can achieve greater flexibility and resilience, which is crucial for navigating tight spaces and avoiding obstacles. Looking ahead, the focus will be on further testing and refinement of the robot's capabilities in real-world scenarios. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Celanese and VIGOR Collaborate to Reduce Robot Joint Weight by Over 30%
On August 14, Celanese, a U.S. specialty materials company, and VIGOR, a Hong Kong precision plastic gear manufacturer, signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Shanghai. Their goal is to address the challenge of heavy metal joints in humanoid robots by replacing them with high-performance engineering plastics, achieving a weight reduction of over 30%. This collaboration aims to enhance the endurance, speed, and load capacity of robots as they transition from laboratories to commercial applications. The partnership is crucial as heavy metal joints have been a bottleneck in robot performance, limiting endurance and response times. The materials used in joints must balance strength, rigidity, heat resistance, precision, and lightweight characteristics, especially under demanding operational conditions. Celanese will provide customized engineering plastics and technical support, while VIGOR will leverage its 40 years of experience in precision plastic gear and drive system manufacturing. This collaboration represents a significant step toward the large-scale deployment of humanoid robots, with plans to extend lightweight plastic joint solutions to industrial, commercial, and professional service robots. As humanoid robots achieve a 30% reduction in joint weight, they will be able to run faster, lift heavier loads, and operate longer, marking a pivotal advancement in the integration of AI in physical applications.
Humanoid Robots Engineering Plastics Robotics Technology Material Science
Western China's First 'No Programming' Welding Robot Enters Production
On August 18, the first fully automatic, no programming welding robot was delivered in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Developed by the Chengdu Craftsman studio led by Feng Zhengle, this innovative robot is designed for the power industry, specifically for non-standard customized door panels. Traditional industrial robots require extensive reprogramming for each model change, which hampers efficiency. The new robot utilizes advanced technologies, including AI deep learning visual recognition and laser seam sensing, to overcome technical challenges in welding thin sheet metal. Its dual positioning system—AI visual initial positioning combined with laser precision positioning—enables high-precision laser welding. The operational efficiency has significantly improved, with complex door panel welding taking only six minutes and simple ones three minutes, reducing overall operation time by 20% and eliminating the need for post-welding polishing. This development marks a shift in manufacturing logic, moving from customized automation solutions to adaptable automation for various products. As the robot begins its journey in a workshop in Chengdu, it represents a significant advancement in the integration of AI into manufacturing processes, transforming the skills of frontline workers into executable algorithms.
Welding Robots Automation Technology AI in Manufacturing Flexible Production
Five Essential Metals Driving the Growth of AI Data Center Infrastructure
Artificial intelligence relies heavily on physical infrastructure, particularly data centers that require substantial electrical systems and cooling equipment. A 2026 study indicates that copper is the most critical metal, accounting for 83% of the modeled mineral mass needed for AI data-center infrastructure. Other important metals include gallium, germanium, rare earth elements, and aluminum, each playing a vital role in the AI hardware ecosystem. The significance of these metals extends beyond mere supply; they are integral to the functionality and efficiency of AI systems. For instance, copper's excellent thermal conductivity aids in cooling, while gallium and germanium are essential for semiconductor applications. The concentration of production for these materials, particularly gallium and germanium, raises concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities, which could impact the growth of AI technologies. Looking ahead, the demand for these metals is expected to rise as AI infrastructure expands. The reliance on rare earth elements, particularly from China, poses additional supply risks. As AI processors evolve and generate more heat, the importance of effective thermal management through materials like aluminum will only increase. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
AI and Robotics
China Enhances Border Controls Following Meta's Acquisition Attempt of AI Startup Manus
China's government has implemented stricter entry and exit regulations to safeguard advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence. These new rules are set to take effect on September 15, 2026, in response to Meta's attempted acquisition of the Chinese AI developer Manus, which has raised concerns about data leaks and economic security. The tightening of border controls is significant as it reflects China's ongoing efforts to protect its technological advancements and sensitive data from foreign influence. The regulations aim to prevent potential leaks that could arise from foreign investments in Chinese tech firms, particularly in the AI sector, which is crucial for the country's economic strategy. Looking ahead, the impact of these regulations on foreign investments and collaborations in China's tech landscape will be crucial to monitor. As the global competition in AI intensifies, how these measures affect companies like Meta and their ambitions in China remains to be seen. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
ROBOTTODAY Weekly August 10 – 14, 2026
Your weekly robotics briefing: Unitree's IPO is swamped by retail demand, the US puts 100% tariffs on imported drones, LG and Nvidia commit to a 2027 humanoid, and Uber and Pony.ai bring 2,000 robotaxis to Europe.
Your Three-Shift Robot Is on a One-Shift Maintenance Plan: Phase 3 and the PM System
A three-shift robot on a one-shift maintenance plan ages at triple speed. RSF Phase 3: three PM tiers, three trigger models, environmental corrections.
WAIC Review 2/4: World Models vs. VLA: Robotics' Next 'ChatGPT Moment'
At WAIC 2026, world-model and VLA camps staked rival paths to generalist robots; Zhiyuan, SenseTime and NVIDIA predict a robot 'ChatGPT moment' in 2-5 years.
ROBOTTODAY Weekly July 20 – 24, 2026
Your weekly robotics briefing: AGIBOT unveils four new robots at WAIC 2026, the NDAA bars Chinese humanoids from the U.S. military, SoftBank eyes Gravis Robotics for its Roze vehicle, and Anduril reveals its Thunder autonomous attack tiltrotor at Farnborough.
AI for Science 2026: The Global Race for Scientific Discovery
2026 AI for Science landscape report: WAIC 2026 exhibitor breakdown, MIT Boltz-2 and CMU Coscientist case studies, US/China/EU policy comparison, Anthropic Claude Science, and US academic cautionary views.
Physical AI Landscape: From Digital Intelligence to the Embodied Physical World
A comprehensive industry analysis of Physical AI — covering Embodied AI, Field AI, Factory AI, VLM, World Model, VLA, and the VLA vs WAM architecture debate. Includes 20+ companies, 28 references, and the RobotToday Physical AI Landscape diagram. July 2026.
2026H2 Robotics Events Briefing: Tailored Recommendations for Robotics Readers
Discover the ultimate directory of global robotics events in 2026. Tailored briefings for engineers, investors, and founders on humanoid robots, AI, and industrial automation by RobotToday.
ROBOTTODAY Weekly June 30 – July 4, 2026
Unitree wins CSRC approval for China’s first humanoid IPO, Korea unveils ₩312T AI investment, RoboCup 2026 opens in Incheon, and Paris launches Europe’s inaugural Physical AI summit.
Automate 2026 | Ubicept Explores Photon-Level Machine Vision
Ubicept demonstrated single-photon SPAD imaging at Automate 2026, achieving 140 dB HDR and >10 dB SNR gains for industrial robotics edge AI.
Pittsburgh Regional Alliance Convenes Nine CMU-Rooted Robotics Firms at Automate 2026
At Automate 2026, the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance convened nine robotics firms — most spun out of Carnegie Mellon — spanning materials, perception and AMRs.
