Meta is testing robots that can plug in cables, reset servers, and handle other tasks inside its data centers, according to WIRED — in an effort that could eventually allow the company to operate its rapidly expanding data center footprint with fewer humans.
The company is using robots and hardware from several vendors, including Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB, according to current and former workers. In one experiment, Meta is evaluating whether a Kinova Gen3 robotic arm could be used for power cycling servers. It is also testing a different robot to swap networking cables. One data center worker estimates that if successful, the bot could replace up to 80 percent of some people's workloads.
At some facilities, Meta quietly adopted a relatively simple robot that looks like a finger — capable of pressing the power button on a Mac Mini or other device to restart it when remotely prompted by a human.
The effort builds on Meta's existing tugger and inventory robots, which are already operating in data centers in Iowa and Virginia. But limitations remain: the inventory bot can't differentiate between green and red indicator lights because its camera only detects grayscale, and robots need downtime to recharge their batteries.
Workers have expressed concern in internal group chats. One worker said robots are coming for physical tasks too. Another noted Meta is developing AI software that could allow it to hire lower-skilled workers.
Meta spokesperson Francis Brennan said the company is investing heavily in training and hiring workers, noting a major shortage of skilled workers during the infrastructure boom.
