Inside Meta’s push to put robots to work in data centers
Meta is testing robots to carry out physical tasks in its data centres, such as plugging in cables, resetting servers and swapping networking equipment, according to current and former staff. The previously unreported effort could eventually allow Meta to run its rapidly growing data centre operations with fewer human technicians, helping to control labour costs as its spending on AI infrastructure continues to surge.
Meta is trialling equipment from several vendors, including Watney Robotics, Kinova and ABB, with one experiment testing whether a Kinova Gen3 robotic arm can power-cycle or cut electricity to servers. One worker estimated a successful cable-swapping robot could replace up to 80% of some employees' workloads, while a simpler device has already been deployed to remotely press power buttons on machines. Meta says it remains committed to hiring and training human workers, citing a shortage of skilled labour, but a company robotics manager has described putting robots in data centres as a "long-term goal", and industry figures argue robots could ultimately let facilities operate in extreme environments, such as underwater or in space, without the need for on-site staff.
- Meta is testing robots for data centre tasks like cabling and server resets
- One worker fears robots could replace up to 80% of jobs
- Meta says it still needs more human workers despite the trials
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Using robots for repetitive, physically demanding data-centre tasks could reduce costs, speed up maintenance and help address shortages of skilled technicians as demand for computing grows. Supporters may also argue that automation can take on hazardous work and eventually make it practical to operate facilities in environments where people cannot safely work.
The case against
Replacing much of technicians’ workload could threaten jobs and weaken workers’ bargaining power, particularly if promises to hire and train people do not match how automation is deployed. Critics may also question the reliability and safety of robots handling power and network equipment, and argue that cost savings should not come at the expense of accountable human oversight or workers’ livelihoods.