Meta taps ex-Cruise CEO to lead Reality Labs robotics team - Puget Sound Business Journal

In a bold move, Meta Platforms Inc. is set to develop humanoid robots powered by artificial intelligence, with operations based in its Reality Labs unit in Seattle. The initiative will be spearheaded by Marc Whitten, who previously served as CEO of the self-driving car company Cruise and has held executive positions at Amazon and Microsoft. The primary focus will be on creating robots capable of performing household chores, indicating a strategic direction towards consumer-oriented robotics. Meta aims to ensure safety and advanced functionality, investing in AI, sensors, and software to support these developments.

Although the technology is expected to take a couple of years to reach the market, the company's long-term vision is clear: to innovate and eventually achieve substantial profitability through its research and development efforts. Reality Labs has recently reported generating $2. 1 billion in revenue, albeit with significant losses, underscoring the financial risks involved in pioneering technology. With a strong workforce of 8,000 employees in the Seattle region, Meta continues to solidify its presence in the competitive tech landscape. This venture not only exemplifies Meta's commitment to innovation but also reflects the growing importance of robotics in everyday life.