"Another scam": Meta plans to develop AI-controlled humanoid robots

Meta recently announced plans to create humanoid robots controlled by artificial intelligence (AI). Meta's announcement has drawn critical comments from netizens who believe it is yet another scam.

"This is unacceptable"

Responding to a Reddit post on February 14 about the proposed Meta plan, Reddit users suggested that the project could be another scam, pointing out that the goal of creating humanoid robots is solely focused on pumping out stocks and enriching shareholders.  

Some users have said that humanoid robots will take over human jobs, which is unacceptable.

"I hope they fail. We don't have enough jobs for humans to fill, so I really don't see the point in creating human-like robots to do housework. Just wash the dishes like a normal person," said one response.

The main focus is on humanoid robots for household chores

Several big tech companies have delved into the world of humanoid robots, including chip company Nvidia, which recently announced its plans in the field.

Meta is the latest of the tech giants to announce plans to develop humanoid robots.

Reports suggest that Meta is focusing on developing humanoid hardware for household chores. 

The company's larger ambition is to develop basic AI, sensors, and software for robots that will be manufactured and sold by various companies.

Meta has begun discussing its plan with robotics companies, including Unitree Robotics and Figure AI Inc. 

At least initially, Meta doesn't plan to create its own branded robot that could directly compete with Tesla Inc.'s Optimus robot. 

"Meta" goals

Meta executives believe that while humanoid robot companies have made progress on the hardware front, Meta's advances in AI and data collected from augmented and virtual reality devices could accelerate progress in the nascent industry. 

Current humanoids are still not useful enough to fold clothes, fetch a glass of water, put dishes on a shelf for cleaning, or perform other household tasks that might interest users in this category.

Meta's goal is to create a foundation for the rest of the market, just as Google's Android operating system and Qualcomm Inc.'s chips did for the phone industry.