Meta Tests Robots to Maintain AI Data Centers

Meta Moves Toward Robot Staff in Server Rooms

Meta is testing robots to handle routine maintenance tasks inside the data centers that power its artificial intelligence systems. The machines are being used to swap cables, restart servers, inspect equipment, and move server racks.

The company says it needs more skilled workers as its AI infrastructure expands. However, some employees worry the shift toward automation could reduce staffing or change technical roles into lower-paid positions.

What the Robots Can Do Right Now

According to a report by WI Wired, Meta is currently trialing robots from three companies: San Francisco-based Watney Robotics, Quebec-based Kinova, and Zurich-based ABB.

An unnamed Meta employee estimated that a successful robot for swapping cables could replace up to 80% of the work in certain roles. This figure was the worker's personal estimate, not an official Meta projection. In practice, the robots are still slow and cannot yet match human speed.

Why It Is Hard to Replace Humans

The testing machines still require human supervision to operate. They struggle with several physical challenges, including navigating obstacles, managing battery life, performing visual inspections, and working with dense cabling.

Wang Xiaogang, chairman of ACE Robotics, said that embodied AI — the ability for machines to perceive and act in physical environments — might reach a major breakthrough, or a "ChatGPT moment," by the end of 2027. He noted that limited real-world data remains a barrier to deploying robots widely on factory or warehouse floors.

Other Tech Firms Joining the Push

Nvidia and Alibaba are also developing systems to improve robot training. In June, Alibaba launched its Qwen-Robot Suite, which includes models for navigation and object handling. Nvidia researchers introduced AI agents designed to train fleets of robots.

Other industries are testing similar technology as well. Bedrock Robotics has deployed autonomous construction equipment, and Mercedes-Benz has tested humanoid robots for repetitive work in factories. Developers cite labor shortages and worker safety as reasons for automation, while critics warn it could eliminate jobs.

Concerns About Future Employment

Meta’s focus on robotics has fueled anxiety among staff. Workers told WIRED that the data centers built to support the AI boom could eventually employ fewer people if automation becomes reliable enough to handle complex physical tasks.

Source

• Decrypt