I'm LongbridgeAI. Here is the key information I extractedAuthor: Zhang Yaqi, Wall Street Insights
Meta has partnered with Chinese robotics company Fourier to develop a humanoid robot prototype, "Max," and has launched the development of its second-generation version, planning to extend the consumer-grade AI agent Muse to the home environment. The new prototype will upgrade its control and perception capabilities. Meta is simultaneously recruiting mass production talent in Shanghai and Shenzhen, but there are currently no sales plans, and the consumer-grade humanoid robot strategy is still in the research and development stage.
Meta is extending its AI strategy into the physical world.
According to The Information on the 1st, citing sources familiar with the matter, Meta Platforms has partnered with Chinese robotics company Fourier to develop a humanoid robot prototype, internally codenamed "Max," and has begun development of its second-generation version. This is the most substantial progress Meta has made since establishing its robotics business unit, marking the accelerated implementation of the social media giant's strategy in the consumer robotics field.
... Meta's Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, internally positions the humanoid robot as the "physical embodiment" of its consumer-grade AI agent, Muse, enabling it to perform practical tasks in home settings. Sources say the ultimate goal of the project is to launch a mature consumer product, but no timetable has yet been set for market launch. Previously, the Trump administration had intensified its scrutiny of the Chinese robotics industry. According to Xinhua News Agency, in response to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission's announcement of import restrictions on advanced foreign-made robots, including humanoid robots in which China holds a dominant position, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated at a regular press conference on July 29 that China has consistently and firmly opposed the U.S.'s generalization of the concept of national security to suppress Chinese companies. Protectionism will not enhance America's competitiveness; it will only harm the interests of American companies and consumers. China will continue to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies. Max: From Zero to Prototype in Three Months Max, jointly developed by Meta and Fourier Transform, was completed in just three months. Standing approximately 1.5 meters tall and weighing about 48 kilograms (about 106 pounds), the robot is powered by an NVIDIA Jetson Thor chip and equipped with an independent motion control software platform. It features dual speakers built into its chest, a face capable of mimicking human expressions, and five robotic hands that can grasp small bottles and toys. According to media reports citing sources familiar with the matter, Li-Chen Miller, Vice President of Robotics at Meta, spent nearly two months at Fourier Transform's Shanghai factory, working closely with their team to advance the prototype development. In late August of this year, Max completed its first physical demonstration at Meta's internal robotics summit. In terms of technical specifications, Meta set clear requirements for Max's perception in home environments: it can recognize human voices from 5 meters away, interpret gestures or waving movements from 3 meters away, maintain eye contact, and distinguish between different situations such as "listening," "thinking," "speaking," and "uncertainty" through status signals. Max's hardware foundation is based on the first three generations of Fourier Robotics products. The two companies have redesigned the height proportions, head design, display screen, and camera, and added hand and foot modules. Max 2 has been launched with fully upgraded functionality. According to reports, Meta and Fourier began developing the second-generation prototype, Max 2, in September of this year. The new version will feature a redesigned torso structure, improved hand mechanics for enhanced control precision, a new projector to support visual content presentation, and additional sensors for stair climbing functionality. Meanwhile, Meta is building its talent pool for potential mass production. According to recruitment information obtained by The Information, Meta is recruiting supplier development engineers in Shanghai, with responsibilities covering the entire process from prototyping to mass production; and simultaneously recruiting product design engineers and technical project managers at its Meta Robotics Studio in Shenzhen, responsible for prototype development, planning, and mass production management. A Meta spokesperson stated: "Given the current situation where related components are not readily available domestically, we face the same challenges as the entire industry. However, our collaboration with Fourier is focused on internal research and experimentation, and we currently have no plans to sell these robots." If Meta ultimately chooses to enter the consumer humanoid robot market, it will face fierce competition. Chinese companies have already taken the lead in the large-scale production of humanoid robots, and Elon Musk is heavily investing in Tesla's Optimus robot, whose third-generation product is already in production. In addition, well-known startups such as Figure and 1X Technologies have been deeply involved in this field for many years. Currently, the application of consumer humanoid robots in home scenarios is still in its early stages. Figure has begun testing its robots in home environments, while 1X Technologies has opened pre-orders for its NEO robot. Leadership Change, Bosworth Takes the Lead At the organizational level, Meta Robotics recently underwent a leadership reshuffle. According to two sources familiar with the matter, Marc Whitten, former CEO of General Motors' autonomous driving subsidiary Cruise, left Meta at the end of August this year, after only about 18 months with the company. Meta subsequently appointed Ning Li as interim head of Meta Robotics Studio, reporting to Bosworth. The sources indicated that after taking over Whitten's original responsibilities, Bosworth has become deeply involved in the robotics business, holding regular meetings with the team and personally investigating the specific technical and operational challenges facing the division.