The next shift at Meta’s data centers might not clock in. The company is testing robots that can plug in cables, reset servers, and handle other routine tasks inside its facilities, according to several current and former workers familiar with the projects. The effort, which has not been previously reported, signals a future where Meta’s sprawling AI infrastructure runs with fewer human hands.
What Meta is testing with robots in its data centers
Meta is evaluating robots and related hardware from multiple vendors, including Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB, the workers said. They asked to remain anonymous because they were not authorized to speak to the media. In one experiment, Meta is assessing whether a Kinova Gen3 robotic arm can perform delicate tasks like cable insertion and server resets — jobs that currently require human dexterity and judgment.
The choice of vendors is notable. Kinova is known for lightweight, dexterous robotic arms. ABB is a global industrial automation giant. Watney Robotics appears to be a smaller, specialized player. Together, they represent a mix of agility and scale that Meta could use to build a flexible automation layer across its data centers.
Why Meta is pushing automation now
The timing is no accident. Meta’s spending on AI infrastructure has soared, with the company committing tens of billions of dollars to expand its data center capacity. As that footprint grows, so does the need for maintenance staff — and labor costs. Robots offer a way to keep those costs in check while maintaining round-the-clock operations.
For workers, the implications are real. If robots can handle cable plugging and server resets, the demand for human technicians in those roles could shrink. That does not mean all jobs disappear — but it does mean the nature of data center work could shift toward supervision and troubleshooting rather than manual tasks.
How the robot experiments fit into Meta’s broader strategy
Meta has long invested in automation, from software-driven infrastructure management to AI-powered cooling systems. The robot trials are a logical next step: physical automation to match the company’s digital automation. The goal is not just efficiency — it is scalability. With AI models requiring ever more compute power, Meta needs data centers that can grow without a proportional increase in headcount.
The workers who spoke to the press described the projects as ongoing experiments, not yet deployed at scale. That suggests Meta is still validating whether the robots can perform reliably in real-world conditions, where cables vary, servers fail unpredictably, and downtime is costly.
What this means for data center workers
For the technicians who currently handle these tasks, the robot trials raise questions about job security. Meta has not announced any layoffs tied to the experiments, and the workers did not indicate that jobs have been cut. But the direction is clear: automation is being tested for tasks that have traditionally required human presence.
That said, robots are not a perfect substitute. Cable plugging requires precision, and server resets often involve judgment calls about whether a system is truly faulty. The workers noted that the robots are being evaluated, not yet trusted with full autonomy. Human oversight will likely remain essential for the foreseeable future.
What the vendors bring to Meta’s robot experiments
Kinova’s Gen3 arm is designed for precise, repetitive tasks and is already used in research and industrial settings. ABB brings decades of experience in factory automation, with robots that can operate in harsh environments. Watney Robotics, though less known, appears to offer specialized hardware that could complement the larger vendors. The mix suggests Meta is not betting on a single solution but testing multiple approaches to find what works.
Kinova and ABB declined to comment on the projects. Watney did not respond to requests for comment. Meta has not publicly acknowledged the trials, leaving the details to the workers who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Why this matters beyond Meta
Meta is not alone in exploring data center automation. The broader tech industry is under pressure to manage the costs of AI infrastructure, and robotics is emerging as a potential answer. If Meta proves that robots can handle routine data center tasks reliably, other companies may follow — accelerating a shift that could affect thousands of jobs across the sector.
The stakes are high. Data centers are the physical backbone of the AI boom, and the companies that operate them most efficiently will have a competitive edge. Robots could be that edge — but they also carry risks, from technical failures to workforce disruption.
Confirmed facts vs what remains unclear
What is confirmed: Meta is testing robots from Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB for tasks like cable plugging and server resets, according to multiple current and former workers. The experiments are ongoing and have not been previously reported.
What remains unclear: Whether the robots will be deployed at scale, how many workers could be affected, and what Meta’s long-term plans are. The workers did not provide details on timelines, costs, or performance metrics. All of this is based on anonymous accounts, and Meta has not confirmed the projects publicly.
The business case for robotic data center operations
Meta’s AI infrastructure spending is massive, and labor is a significant operational cost. Robots that can work 24/7 without breaks, benefits, or overtime could meaningfully reduce expenses over time. The company’s moat lies in its ability to scale infrastructure efficiently — and automation is a key lever in that equation.
But the business case is not just about cost. Robots can also improve consistency. A robot that resets a server the same way every time may reduce human error, which is a common cause of downtime. For a company running thousands of servers, even small improvements in reliability can translate into significant savings.
Risks and balanced view
The robot trials are not without risks. Technical failures could cause downtime, which is costly for a company that depends on continuous operations. There is also the question of worker morale — employees who see robots being tested for their jobs may feel uncertain about their futures.
Critics might argue that automation is being pursued at the expense of human workers, especially in a tight labor market where data center technicians are in demand. Supporters would counter that robots can handle dangerous or repetitive tasks, freeing humans for more complex work. Both perspectives have merit, and the truth likely lies somewhere in between.
Wider trend: automation creeping into every corner of tech
Meta’s robot experiments are part of a broader pattern. From warehouse robots at Amazon to self-driving delivery vehicles, tech companies are increasingly turning to automation to manage costs and scale. Data centers are the latest frontier, and Meta appears to be positioning itself at the forefront.
This trend raises important questions about the future of work. As AI and robotics advance, the line between human and machine tasks will continue to blur. Companies that embrace automation early may gain a competitive advantage — but they will also face scrutiny over their treatment of workers.
What should workers and investors watch for
For data center workers, the key signal will be whether Meta moves from testing to deployment. If the robots prove reliable, job roles may shift toward supervision and maintenance of the robots themselves. Upskilling could be a smart move for those in the industry.
For investors, the robot trials are a positive sign for Meta’s cost discipline. If automation reduces operating expenses, it could boost margins over time. But the experiments are early, and there is no guarantee they will succeed at scale.
Future outlook: what happens next
The next few quarters will be telling. If Meta expands the trials, it will signal confidence in the technology. If the experiments stall, it will suggest that robots are not yet ready for prime time in data centers. Either way, the industry will be watching closely.
One thing is certain: the push to automate data center operations is not going away. As AI infrastructure spending continues to climb, the pressure to control costs will only intensify. Robots are no longer a futuristic concept — they are being tested in the real world, right now.
Our Take
Meta’s robot experiments are a reminder that the AI boom has a physical side. While the world focuses on models and algorithms, the infrastructure that powers them is being quietly transformed. The move toward automation is logical — even inevitable — but it carries human costs that cannot be ignored.
The company deserves credit for exploring ways to scale efficiently, but it also has a responsibility to its workforce. Transparent communication about the future of data center jobs would go a long way toward building trust. For now, the robots are being tested, not deployed — and that gives everyone time to prepare for what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Meta replacing human workers with robots in data centers?
Not yet. Meta is testing robots for tasks like cable plugging and server resets, but the experiments are ongoing and have not been deployed at scale. Workers said the robots are being evaluated, not yet trusted with full autonomy.
Which companies are providing robots to Meta?
Meta is using robots and related hardware from Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB, according to current and former workers. Kinova and ABB declined to comment, and Watney did not respond to requests for comment.
Why is Meta automating data center tasks?
Meta’s AI infrastructure spending has soared, and labor costs are a significant operational expense. Robots could help the company operate its expanding data center footprint with fewer humans, keeping costs in check.
What tasks are the robots being tested for?
The robots are being evaluated for tasks like plugging in cables and resetting servers — routine maintenance jobs that currently require human dexterity and judgment.
