Meta develops humanoid robot prototype for household chores, codenamed Max

Meta's Entry into Humanoid Robotics

Meta has reportedly developed a humanoid robot prototype, internally codenamed Max, intended to assist with household chores. This development marks Meta's push into the robotics sector, following earlier reports of the company forming a team dedicated to robot hardware development.

The prototype was built in approximately three months with the collaboration of Chinese robotics company Fourier. This rapid development indicates Meta's accelerated efforts in this field, which also included the acquisition of an AI startup specializing in robotics earlier this year.

Prototype Specifications and Features

The Max prototype weighs approximately 106 lbs and stands about 1.5 meters (five feet) tall. Its external features include a display capable of showing facial expressions, a built-in speaker, and hands designed to pick up small objects.

Internally, the robot is powered by NVIDIA's Jetson Thor chips, which handle its processing needs. These specifications suggest a focus on both functional capability and interactive elements for a home environment.

Future Development: Max 2

While there is no set launch date for a mass-market version of Max, Meta has already initiated work on a second prototype, codenamed Max 2, since September. This indicates ongoing commitment to the project and continuous iteration.

The Max 2 prototype will include updates to the robot's torso and hand designs. Additionally, it will incorporate a projector and extra sensors, specifically to improve its ability to navigate stairs, addressing a common challenge in home robotics.