Meta is experimenting with robots to automate physical tasks in its data centers, including plugging in cables, resetting servers, and handling other maintenance work, according to current and former employees. The company is using robots from multiple vendors, including Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB, as part of an ongoing effort to reduce reliance on human labor. The initiative may allow Meta to manage its expanding data center operations with fewer workers, as the company continues to invest heavily in AI infrastructure. Source: wired
In one experiment, Meta is evaluating whether a Kinova Gen3 robotic arm could be used to power cycle servers, while another robot is being tested to swap networking cables. A Meta data center worker estimates that if successful, the robot could replace up to 80 percent of some roles. The worker noted that the move threatens to displace human workers, stating, “We thought those of us performing the physical tasks were safe for a while, but not anymore.” Source: wired
Meta declined to comment on the testing described in this story. A company spokesperson said the company is investing in training and hiring workers for its data centers, emphasizing the need for more skilled labor amid a national shortage. However, the company’s senior manager for robotics, Eric Xu, stated that the long-term goal is to deploy robots in data centers to improve incident response and maintenance. Source: wired
Source: wired
