Meta Builds Humanoid Robot Prototype for the Home With Fourier
Credit: AI
Meta has reportedly built its first humanoid robot prototype in collaboration with Chinese robotics company Fourier, according to a new report by The Information published on October 31.
Internally known as Max, the robot was reportedly developed in approximately three months and weighs around 106 pounds (48 kg). Meta is already working on a second version, suggesting that the project is moving beyond its earliest experimental stages.
The development highlights Meta’s growing interest in bringing artificial intelligence into the physical world, potentially allowing AI systems to interact with people and perform everyday household tasks.
What can Meta’s humanoid robot actually do?
According to the report, Max stands approximately 1.5 metres tall and features a human-like design with five-fingered hands, built-in speakers and a display capable of reproducing facial expressions.
The prototype reportedly uses Nvidia’s Jetson Thor computing platform. Its design also includes cameras and sensors intended to help it understand and respond to people in its surroundings.
Meta’s longer-term ambition appears to involve combining humanoid hardware with its AI technology, including its Muse AI agent. This could eventually allow robots to understand spoken instructions and assist with everyday activities around the home.
However, the current prototype should not be mistaken for a finished consumer product.
Meta is already working on a second version
The company reportedly started developing Max 2 in September. The updated prototype is expected to feature improved hands, a redesigned torso, additional sensors and better navigation capabilities, including the ability to handle stairs.
The collaboration with Fourier also highlights the importance of partnerships in the rapidly developing humanoid robotics industry.
Companies are increasingly competing to create machines capable of operating outside controlled factory environments and functioning safely around people.
Will Meta sell a humanoid robot?
Despite the progress, Meta has not announced plans to launch a commercial humanoid robot.
A company spokesperson told The Information that its work with Fourier is focused on internal research and experimentation, adding that Meta currently has no plans to sell these units.
For now, the project appears to be part of a broader strategy to develop the software, artificial intelligence and robotics technologies needed for future consumer devices.
If successful, Meta’s ambitions could eventually extend AI assistants beyond smartphones, computers and smart glasses — bringing them directly into people’s homes.
For the moment, Max remains an experimental project, but it offers an interesting glimpse into what Meta believes the next generation of personal AI technology could look like.
