● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 neutral
Meta Tests Robots for Data Center Operations to Reduce Human Labor
Key points
- Meta is testing robots for data center tasks.
- Robots are from vendors including Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB.
- Tasks include power cycling servers and swapping networking cables.
- One robot could replace up to 80% of some workloads.
Robots in Meta's Data Centers
Meta is currently testing robots to automate various tasks within its data centers. These robots are designed to handle operations such as plugging in cables, resetting servers, and other maintenance activities. The company is utilizing hardware from multiple vendors, including Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB.
Automation for Cost Control
The deployment of these robots is part of an ongoing effort to operate Meta's expanding data center footprint with fewer human workers. This strategy aims to keep labor costs in check, particularly as the company's investments in AI infrastructure continue to increase. The initiative has not been previously reported.
Specific Robot Applications
One experiment involves evaluating a Kinova Gen3 robotic arm for power cycling servers, which includes cutting off and restoring electricity. Another robot is being tested for swapping networking cables. Additionally, Meta has adopted a simpler robot that can press power buttons on devices like Mac Minis to restart them remotely.
Potential Impact on Workforce
A Meta data center worker estimates that if successful, the robot designed for cable swapping could replace up to 80 percent of some individuals' workloads. This suggests a significant shift in the labor requirements for certain data center roles. Meta declined to comment on the specific testing, but a company spokesperson stated that Meta is investing in training and hiring for its data centers, citing a shortage of skilled workers.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Meta is testing robots from vendors like Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB to perform tasks such as plugging cables, resetting servers, and power cycling devices in its data centers. This initiative aims to reduce human labor costs as Meta's AI infrastructure expands, potentially replacing a significant portion of some workers' tasks.