Meta Platforms is testing robots to carry out physical maintenance tasks within its data centers, a move that could reshape the roles of human technicians. The experiments involve machines performing duties such as replacing network cables, restarting servers, and reseating hardware components. These operations are central to maintaining the vast infrastructure that powers Meta's artificial intelligence ambitions.
The company is reportedly trialing equipment from several robotics manufacturers, including Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB. For instance, Meta is evaluating a Kinova Gen3 robotic arm for tasks like power-cycling servers, and other systems are being tested for network cable replacement. Some facilities already employ simpler automated devices, such as a remotely controlled mechanism that presses power buttons to reboot equipment.
One employee estimated that a successful cable-replacement robot could potentially automate up to 80% of the work in certain technician roles. However, these robots currently lag behind human workers in speed and require supervision. They also face challenges with obstacles, battery life, visual inspections, and handling dense cabling.
The push for automation in data centers comes as Meta significantly increases its capital spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure. The company plans to spend between $130 billion and $145 billion in 2026 on this expansion. This investment highlights a broader trend in the tech industry, where nearly 140,000 U.S. tech jobs were eliminated in 2026, with companies like Meta, Amazon, Oracle, and Microsoft accounting for a substantial portion of these cuts.
Meta's efforts align with a growing industry focus on embodied AI, where machines can perceive and interact with the physical world. Companies like Alibaba and Nvidia are also developing software and AI agents to enhance robot capabilities. Experts predict that embodied AI could reach a significant milestone by the end of 2027.
While Meta has not officially commented on the ongoing trials, a spokesperson noted the country's shortage of skilled workers in the current infrastructure boom. The company has stated that it needs more workers and is investing in training and hiring programs. However, internal discussions among employees suggest concerns about job security and a potential shift towards lower-skilled roles guided by AI instructions.
The long-term goal for Meta's robotics division includes using robots to assist with incident response, environmental monitoring, and preventive maintenance. This development signals a potential transformation in data center operations, where automation may take on more physical tasks, complementing or potentially supplanting human labor in certain areas.