Technology
Meta tests data center automation to manage artificial intelligence infrastructure costs
Current and former workers report that Meta is evaluating robotics for tasks like server resets and cable swapping to reduce physical workloads and labor expenses.
The short version
- Meta is actively testing data center robotics from vendors like Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB to perform maintenance tasks.
- The initiative targets physical duties, including swapping networking cables and using robotic arms to cycle server power.
- If successfully deployed, internal estimates suggest the technology could automate up to 80 percent of certain physical data center workloads.
Key facts
- Meta is conducting tests with robots inside its data centers to automate server resets, cable plugging, and routine maintenance tasks.[Ars Technica]
- The tests utilize hardware from robotics vendors including Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB.[Ars Technica]
- Specific evaluations involve testing a Kinova Gen3 robotic arm to cut electricity or cycle power to servers.[Ars Technica]
- One data center worker estimated that full deployment of cable-swapping robots could replace up to 80 percent of some employees' workloads.[Ars Technica]
What remains uncertain
- The timeline, full deployment scale, and actual job impact of Meta's data center robotics program remain unverified, as Meta has not officially detailed the project and vendors declined or did not respond to requests for comment.[Ars Technica]