Inside Meta’s push to put robots to work in data centers
ars ·
Meta is testing robots to perform data center tasks such as plugging cables, resetting servers, and pressing power buttons, according to current and former workers. The company aims to potentially reduce its human workforce and control labor costs while its AI infrastructure spending grows, using robots from vendors like Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB. One worker estimated a cable-swapping bot could replace up to 80 percent of some people's workloads, leading to demoralized worker chats in places like Altoona, Iowa. Meta declined to comment on the tests but a spokesperson emphasized a shortage of skilled workers and said the company is investing in training and hiring. Robots have become cheaper and more capable thanks to AI, and Meta executives have stated long-term goals to use them for faster incident response, monitoring, and maintenance. However, some robots still face limitations such as needing recharge downtime, being unable to distinguish colored indicator lights, and not yet matching human speed. An industry CEO noted that while many pilots exist, there is no provable working solution yet, and job quality concerns remain among workers who fear AI will enable lower-skilled hiring.
ars