Meta Develops Humanoid Robot Prototype with China’s Fourier

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Meta has reportedly developed a humanoid robot prototype called “Max” in collaboration with Fourier, a robotics company from China.

According to a report by The Next Web on Sunday (1 November), the project was completed in about three months and is intended as an internal research tool and an experimental platform for integrating the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) agents.

Meta does not plan to sell the robot to the public.

Weighing 48kg and standing 1.5 metres tall, Max is powered by Nvidia’s Jetson Thor chip. It has an interface screen capable of displaying various facial expressions, a loudspeaker, and five fingers on each hand, designed for precision when gripping and moving small objects.

Meta sees the humanoid robot as a physical embodiment of its Muse AI agents, primarily intended to help with household tasks.

The development of this technology received a significant boost after Nvidia agreed to invest US$3 billion, equivalent to Rp54.4 trillion, in Meta to expand research collaboration on the Muse project.

After internally showcasing the Max prototype in late August, Meta and Fourier began research on a second-generation robot, called “Max 2”, in September.

The latest model is expected to feature improvements to its body structure and hand articulation, an integrated projector, and navigation sensors that will enable it to climb stairs.

Meta is among a growing number of companies developing humanoid robots for use in homes and factories.

Tesla has previously produced its Optimus robot, while Agility’s Digit 5 humanoid robot is set to operate using Nvidia hardware.

In China, Unitree is developing AI that will enable its robots to improve their capabilities autonomously.