Meta Tests Robots for Data Center Maintenance, Raising Job Concerns

ChainCatcher reports that Meta is testing robots to maintain its AI system data centers, including machines capable of replacing network cables, rebooting servers, and inspecting equipment. According to WIRED, Meta has tested robots from Watney Robotics in San Francisco, Kinova in Quebec, and ABB in Zurich to reduce labor costs. One employee estimated that a successful cable-replacement robot could replace up to 80% of certain jobs, but the current machine still cannot match human speed. Meta’s robotics initiative has raised concerns among employees, who fear automation may reduce demand for experienced technicians and shift remaining tasks to lower-paid positions operating under AI instructions. A Meta spokesperson stated that the U.S. is experiencing its largest infrastructure boom since World War II, with a severe shortage of skilled workers, and the company needs more, not fewer, workers. Currently, robots still require human supervision and face challenges with obstacles, battery life, visual inspection, and handling dense cabling. Nvidia and Alibaba are also developing systems to improve robot training. Wang Xiaogang, Chairman of ACE Robotics, said embodied AI could reach its “ChatGPT moment” by the end of 2027. Additionally, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has proposed taxing robots and AI tokens, arguing that current tax systems may make machines cheaper than human employees.