Meta is testing robots in its data centers The machines can connect cables, restart servers and perform other maintenance tasks, according to current and former employees familiar with the project. The previously unreported initiative could eventually help Meta operate its rapidly expanding data center network with fewer workers and lower labor costs as the company increases spending on AI infrastructure.
Meta is using robots and related hardware from several vendors, including Watney Robotics, Kinova and ABB, the employees said. They requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the project. Kinova and ABB declined to comment, while Watney Robotics did not respond to requests for comment.
In one experiment, Meta is evaluating whether the Kinova Gen3 robotic arm can power-cycle servers or disconnect them from power. The company is also testing a robot designed to replace network cables. One Meta data center employee estimated that successful deployment could automate as much as 80% of some workers’ current responsibilities. “Those of us who do physical work thought we were safe for a while, but we’re not safe anymore,” the worker said. “Unfortunately, it comes to all of us.”
At some facilities, Meta has also quietly deployed simpler robotic systems. One device resembles a finger—or a pointed stick—and can press the power button on a Mac Mini or another piece of equipment to restart it after receiving a remote command from a human operator.
Meta declined to comment on the tests described in this article. Company spokesperson Frances Brennan said Meta is making significant investments in training and hiring workers to build and operate its data centers. “America is in the midst of the biggest infrastructure boom since World War II, and there is a significant shortage of skilled workers to fill those roles. We need more workers, not fewer workers,” Brennan said in a statement.
However, at last year’s conference, Eric Hsu, Meta’s senior manager of robotics, said the company’s “long-term goal” is to deploy robots across its data centers. He said the technology could enable faster incident response, environmental monitoring and preventive maintenance. “We think more collaboration and research will be needed, but we have to start. Otherwise, we won’t have the opportunity to do this,” Hsu said.
Until recently, robots were poorly suited to the delicate work required in data centers. The machines were expensive, and during early industry trials, servers sometimes crashed while robots attempted basic tasks, according to people briefed on the experiments. However, robotic hardware has become less expensive, while the artificial intelligence models that control robots have grown considerably more capable. Several startups are now developing commercial robots that can assemble servers, replace components and reconnect cables.
Robots could deliver more consistent performance at a lower cost than human labor, particularly in remote areas where data centers are expanding but qualified technicians are scarce. Supporters also promote the technology as a way to improve working conditions. Like AI agents designed for knowledge workers, data center robots could handle repetitive and hazardous jobs while allowing technicians to focus on more complex responsibilities. Over time, reducing the need for on-site workers could make it more practical to operate data centers underwater, in space or in other environments that are difficult for people to inhabit.
Source: www.wired.com