Meta Tests Robots to Handle Data Center Work

In brief

• Meta is testing robots that can swap cables, restart servers, and inspect equipment.
• Some workers fear the machines will reduce staffing or shift technical work to lower-paid roles.
• The robots remain slow and require human assistance.

Meta is testing robots to maintain the data centers powering its artificial intelligence systems, including machines that can replace networking cables, restart servers, and inspect equipment.

According to a Friday WIRED report, Meta is testing robots from San Francisco-based Watney Robotics, Quebec-based Kinova, and Zurich-based ABB that could reduce labor costs—and potentially staffing—as its AI infrastructure expands.

One unnamed employee estimated that a successful cable-swapping robot could replace as much as 80% of the work performed in certain roles. The figure was the worker’s estimate, not a Meta projection, and the machine cannot yet match a person’s speed.

Robots enter the server room

Meta is testing robots to move server racks, inspect equipment, replace cables, and restart servers. However, the machines still need human supervision and struggle with obstacles, battery life, visual inspections, and dense cabling.

Nvidia and Alibaba are also developing systems to improve robot training. In June, Alibaba unveiled its Qwen-Robot Suite, with models for navigation, object handling, and physical simulation, while Nvidia researchers introduced AI agents that train robot fleets.