Meta & Apple Race To Shape The Future Of Humanoid Robotics, Here's What They Have In Store

Meta has already begun hiring engineers and intends to collaborate with other firms to bring humanoid robots to market in the coming years.

Meta’s robotics initiative is being led by Marc Whitten, formerly of GM’s Cruise self-driving unit, while Apple’s effort is spearheaded by Kevin Lynch, known for his role in developing the Apple Watch

Source : Unsplash/Possessed Photography

Meta is making a strategic shift towards software-driven robotics by forming a dedicated unit within its Reality Labs division. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the company is focusing on developing a foundational software platform—similar to an "Android for robots"—that hardware manufacturers can leverage. Meta sees its expertise in AI, sensors, and computing, particularly with its Llama AI model, as a key advantage.

The company has already begun hiring engineers and intends to collaborate with other firms to bring humanoid robots to market in the coming years. Meanwhile, Apple is taking a different approach, emphasizing hardware innovation. Reports indicate that the tech giant is working on a tabletop device with a robotic arm attached to a display—an advanced iteration of a smart home hub expected to debut this year. Additionally, Apple is exploring mobile robotics, drawing comparisons to Amazon’s Astro.

Tough Competition Ahead?

While a full-scale humanoid robot from Apple is not imminent, the company could eventually compete with Tesla’s Optimus, which is set for limited production this year. However, Apple's AI development has reportedly faced hurdles, raising concerns about its ability to lead in robotics. Despite challenges, Apple’s extensive research in self-driving car technology could prove useful, as AI-driven navigation for home robots shares similarities with autonomous vehicle systems.

Meta’s robotics initiative is being led by Marc Whitten, formerly of GM’s Cruise self-driving unit, while Apple’s effort is spearheaded by Kevin Lynch, known for his role in developing the Apple Watch and leading the now-defunct car project. With tech giants ramping up their efforts, the emergence of humanoid robots in everyday life is no longer a matter of if, but when. And that future might arrive sooner than expected.