Inside Meta’s Push to Put Robots to Work in Data Centers
wired ·
Meta is testing robots in its data centers to handle tasks like plugging in cables, resetting servers, and pressing power buttons, according to current and former workers. The robots, sourced from vendors such as Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB, are being piloted at facilities including Altoona, Iowa and New Albany, Ohio. Some workers worry that these robots could replace up to 80 percent of certain workloads, although Meta claims it needs more skilled workers due to a labor shortage. The article notes that robots have become cheaper and more capable thanks to advances in AI, but they still face limitations such as needing frequent recharging and being unable to handle certain intricate cabling work. Proponents argue that robots could take on repetitive or dangerous tasks, while workers express concerns about declining job quality and the trend toward hiring lower-skilled employees. Meta has also launched training programs and partnered with trade unions to address workforce concerns. As communities reconsider tax breaks for data centers, the potential impact of automation on jobs is becoming a more significant issue.
wired