Meta appears to be getting serious about bringing artificial intelligence out of the screen and into the physical world. The company has built a humanoid robot prototype with Chinese robotics firm Fourier, and it is already developing a second-generation version. However, before anyone starts imagining a robot folding laundry or handling household chores, there is a fairly important caveat: this is still research and development, with no launch date in sight.

According to The Information, which cited people familiar with the project, Meta and Fourier built the prototype, internally called Max, in around three months. The roughly 48kg robot is part of Meta’s broader ambition to develop humanoids that could eventually carry out everyday tasks in people’s homes.

Meta’s Max 2 is already taking shape.

Standing around 1.5 metres tall, Max runs on Nvidia’s Jetson Thor chip and features a screen that can mimic facial expressions, built-in speakers and five-fingered hands. The prototype can reportedly pick up small objects, including bottles and toys.

Meta’s robotics team travelled to Shanghai to work with Fourier, with the company’s vice president of product for robotics, Li-Chen Miller, spending almost two months at the Chinese firm’s factory. The prototype was subsequently demonstrated to some Meta employees at an internal robotics summit in August.

Work on Max 2 reportedly began in September. The next version is expected to feature a redesigned torso, improved hands for better object manipulation, a projector and additional sensors to help it navigate stairs. These upgrades suggest Meta is working towards a robot that can interact more naturally with its surroundings rather than simply demonstrate basic humanoid movements.

Meta wants to give its Muse AI a physical body.

The bigger ambition is to connect humanoid robotics with Muse, Meta’s AI agent. According to The Information, Meta sees humanoids as a physical embodiment of Muse, potentially allowing the AI to move beyond answering questions and take on household tasks.

The company has also been building its robotics capabilities, including its May acquisition of Assured Robot Intelligence, a startup focused on AI software for robots. Nvidia, whose Jetson Thor chip powers Max, has also agreed to invest $3 billion in Meta and expand its work on Muse.

Still, a robot that can pick up a bottle is a long way from one that can reliably manage a home. Meta says its work with Fourier is for internal research and experimentation and that it has no plans to sell these prototypes. The Information also reports that Meta has not set a product launch target.

For now, Max 2 is another step in Meta’s robotics ambitions, not a household assistant waiting to be delivered. The company still has a long way to go before its AI can do chores instead of just talking about them.

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