Meta is testing a variety of robots to perform physical maintenance tasks within its data centers, according to several current and former employees familiar with the projects. The initiative involves deploying hardware from multiple vendors to handle tasks such as resetting servers, swapping networking cables, and inspecting equipment, as the company expands its AI infrastructure.
Deployment Sites and Hardware
The company is utilizing different facilities to prototype these technologies. At the Altoona data center campus, which often serves as a site for prototyping new technologies before they are rolled out to other locations, Meta has been testing dual-armed robots from Watney Robotics since last June to assist with cabling work. Watney, a San Francisco startup, pivoted to data center robotics early last year after previously promoting a laundry-folding robot.
In New Albany, Ohio, Meta is testing robots at its newest data center campus, Prometheus. These machines, produced by the automation company ABB, feature a six-axis arm on top of a four-wheel base with a scissor-lift-style riser. These robots are currently used to reseat parts, and sources indicate they may eventually perform other tasks with less human oversight.
Additionally, Meta is evaluating a Gen3 robotic arm from Kinova to determine if it can be used for power cycling or cutting off electricity to servers. In some facilities, the company has already adopted a simple device described as a “pointy stick” or finger that can be remotely prompted by a human to press the power button on devices like a Mac Mini to restart them.
Operational Challenges and Limitations
Despite the testing, the robots currently face significant technical hurdles. They remain slower than human workers and require constant human supervision. Workers have reported issues with the robots’ battery life, noting significant downtime required for recharging. Other obstacles include difficulties with visual inspections and navigating physical obstacles.
Meta has acknowledged internally that current robotics are not equipped for certain high-intensity tasks. Specifically, the robots cannot handle the dense cabling required for an Nvidia GB300 supercomputer. A former employee noted that because data centers were designed for human hands to ensure five-minute repairs, redesigning the environment for robots will take time.
Other industry perspectives suggest a lack of proven solutions. Helen Oleynikova, CEO of Exclaim Robotics, stated that while there have been many demos and pilots, there is no provable working solution
yet for replacing broken parts and resetting cables in these environments.
Impact on Labor and Infrastructure
The push toward automation has created tension among the workforce. One Meta data center worker estimated that a successful cable-swapping robot could potentially replace up to 80% of the workload for some roles. There are concerns that automation may reduce the demand for experienced technicians or shift remaining technical work to lower-paid roles following instructions generated by AI.
Meta spokesperson Francis Brennan disputed the idea that the company needs fewer workers, stating that the U.S. is experiencing its largest infrastructure boom since World War II and faces a major shortage of skilled workers. Brennan emphasized that Meta is investing heavily in hiring and training.
However, Eric Xu, senior manager for robotics at Meta, previously stated at a conference that the company’s long-term goals include using robots to monitor environments, handle preventative maintenance, and speed up incident response. Proponents of the technology argue that robots can handle repetitive or dangerous tasks, potentially allowing data centers to eventually operate in inhospitable environments such as space or underwater.
Summary of Tested Robotics
| Vendor | Robot/Hardware Type | Primary Tested Task |
|---|---|---|
| Watney Robotics | Dual-armed robots | Cabling work |
| ABB | Four-wheel robot with scissor-lift and six-axis arm | Reseating parts |
| Kinova | Gen3 robotic arm | Power cycling/cutting electricity |
| Internal/Other | Finger-like actuator | Pressing power buttons for restarts |
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