Meta's Data Center Robots Raise Concerns Over Job Losses
Meta is testing robots to maintain its data centers, which power its artificial intelligence systems. The machines can swap cables, restart servers, and inspect equipment, but remain slow and require human assistance.
The robots are being tested by Meta in collaboration with companies such as Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB. One unnamed employee estimated that a successful cable-swapping robot could replace up to 80% of the work performed in certain roles, although the machine cannot yet match a person's speed.
Concerns have been raised by workers who fear that automation will reduce staffing or shift technical work to lower-paid roles. However, Meta has stated that it continues to hire and train workers amid a skilled-labor shortage, citing the need for more workers in the industry.