Meta tests robotic systems to automate data center maintenance tasks

Meta is currently evaluating robotic systems designed to perform physical maintenance tasks within its data centers, according to current and former employees familiar with the projects. The initiative, which has not been previously reported, involves the use of hardware from multiple vendors to handle duties such as plugging in cables, resetting servers, and managing power cycles. The company aims to reduce its reliance on human labour for routine operations, a move that could help control costs as its expenditure on artificial intelligence infrastructure continues to rise. Employees involved in the testing describe the effort as a significant shift in how the company approaches data center management, with some expressing concern over the potential impact on their roles.

The robotics programme incorporates equipment from several suppliers, including Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB. In one specific experiment, Meta is assessing whether a Kinova Gen3 robotic arm can be used to cut off electricity to servers for power cycling purposes. A separate robot is being tested for the task of swapping networking cables. One data center worker estimates that if these systems prove successful, they could replace up to 80 per cent of the workload for certain staff members. The worker noted that while physical tasks were previously considered secure, the introduction of automation has changed that perception. At some facilities, Meta has also adopted a simpler device resembling a finger or pointy stick, which is used to press power buttons on devices such as Mac Minis to restart them when prompted remotely by a human operator.

Meta has publicly stated that it is investing heavily in training and hiring workers to build and operate its data centers. A company spokesperson emphasised that the United States is experiencing a significant infrastructure boom and that there is a shortage of skilled workers, asserting that the company needs more employees rather than fewer. However, internal communications and previous public statements suggest a different long-term trajectory. Eric Xu, a senior manager for robotics at Meta, previously stated that the company’s goal is to deploy robots in data centers to speed up incident response, monitor environments, and handle preventative maintenance. He argued that collaboration and research are necessary to achieve these objectives, which he described as essential for the company’s future operations.

The adoption of robotics in this sector has been driven by improvements in hardware affordability and the increasing capability of artificial intelligence models. Earlier industry trials often resulted in damage to servers due to the clumsiness of the machines, but recent advancements have made the technology more viable. Several startups are now developing commercial robots capable of assembling servers, swapping parts, and replacing wires. Proponents of this technology argue that robots can provide more consistent output at a lower cost than human labour, particularly in regions where qualified workers are scarce. There is also a growing argument that automation can free human technicians from repetitive and dangerous tasks, allowing them to focus on more complex challenges. In the long term, reducing the need for human presence could make it feasible to operate data centers in environments that are inhospitable to humans, such as underwater or in space.

Despite the technological progress, the implementation of these robots faces practical challenges. At Meta’s data centers, workers have reported issues with the downtime required for robots to recharge their batteries. The company has also acknowledged internally that current robotic systems are not equipped for certain complex tasks, such as the intensive cabling work required for high-performance supercomputers. One former employee noted that physical infrastructure has been designed for human hands for decades, meaning that redesigning these systems for robotic interaction will take time. In Altoona, Iowa, where Meta operates its largest data center campus, employee group chats have reportedly taken on a demoralised tone, with workers expressing fears that their jobs will be eliminated by automation within a few years. Some staff also worry that the quality of available jobs is trending downward, with the company potentially seeking to hire lower-skilled workers who can follow artificial intelligence instructions rather than those capable of independent troubleshooting.

Meta has been testing a pair of dual-armed Watney robots for cabling work at one of its Altoona buildings since last June. These robots are supervised by humans and currently cannot work as fast as people, but they are considered promising. The company is also testing additional robots at its newest data center campus in New Albany, Ohio, known as Prometheus. Four-wheel robots made by ABB, featuring a scissor-lift-style riser and a six-axis arm, are being used there to reseat parts. While these systems show potential, industry observers note that there is still no provable working solution that fully replaces human labour. Helen Oleynikova, CEO of Exclaim Robotics, stated that while there have been many pilots and demos, a reliable commercial solution has yet to be established. Meta’s inventory and tugger robots, which have been in use since 2023, continue to operate in various locations, including Iowa and Virginia, though they still require human intervention for tasks such as moving between buildings and assessing equipment status.