Meta puts its AI on two legs – with help from China

Digital AI is just the beginning. Many see robotics as the next major step: bringing digital AI into the physical world through (humanoid) robots. According to a report by The Information, Meta developed a humanoid prototype called Max in just three months with help from Chinese company Fourier. Work on a second version is reportedly already underway.

According to the report, the prototype uses hardware from robotics company Fourier and Nvidia's Jetson Thor chip. Its five-fingered hands can grasp smaller objects, while a display on its face can mimic human facial expressions. The next version is expected to feature improved hands and additional sensors, among other upgrades.

Strategically, this is about much more than just building another robot. Meta is exploring how its AI systems can move beyond the digital realm and into the physical world. CTO Andrew Bosworth has reportedly described humanoid robots internally as a potential embodiment of the Muse AI agent. In the long run, this could turn a digital assistant into a system capable of taking action around the home.

However, the path forward is more complicated than it might seem. Significant technical hurdles remain before a robot can become a practical household assistant. These include reliably recognizing objects, grasping them safely, navigating obstacles, and operating autonomously in changing environments. Anyone who has visited a tech trade show such as IFA knows that today's humanoid robot prototypes can still be underwhelming – which is also why they tend to have a relatively limited presence at these events.

At the same time, Meta's collaboration with Chinese robotics company Fourier is drawing scrutiny. Rather than designing key hardware components itself, Meta can leverage the expertise and existing technology of a third-party company. However, this also creates a degree of dependence on a Chinese company in an area with significant security implications. It is a potentially sensitive partnership, particularly given that data leaks and remote access are viewed as potential security threats in the United States. This is why the FCC has currently banned connected robots from abroad.