AI Humanoid Robots: Meta and Google Invest in the Future of Robotics

Big Tech's Strategic Moves to Enter the Human-Like Robot Market in 2025

The artificial intelligence (AI) industry has seen a significant shift as major tech companies like Meta and Google dive into the rapidly evolving humanoid robot market. This trend marks the beginning of a new era in robotics, where human-like robots are poised to revolutionize industries. The 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) highlighted the growing interest in "physical AI," a term introduced by Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, signaling the rise of AI systems integrated into physical robots. Currently, Tesla's Optimus robot leads the charge in the humanoid robot space, but other big tech companies are now racing to catch up.

Meta’s Venture into Humanoid Robotics
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has taken a strategic step by establishing a dedicated robotics team within its Reality Labs division, which also oversees its virtual reality (VR) and metaverse projects. The goal of this new team is to enhance the functionality of Meta’s AI model, Llama, and focus on developing consumer-friendly humanoid robots. Andrew Bosworth, Meta’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), explained that the team’s efforts would aim to integrate robots into everyday life, particularly for household chores. Meta believes that expanding its product lineup to include humanoid robots will complement its AI-powered augmented and mixed-reality programs.

In a move to strengthen its robotics efforts, Meta hired Mark Whitten, former CEO of GM’s autonomous vehicle company Cruise, as the Vice President of Robotics Engineering. Under Whitten's leadership, Meta’s robotics team will first focus on developing humanoid robots capable of handling household tasks. In the long term, Meta plans to create AI, sensors, and software solutions that can be used across various companies' robots. This move aligns with Meta’s vision of creating a seamless connection between AI, robotics, and the metaverse, aiming to offer consumers more advanced interactive experiences.

Google’s Robotics Strategy: Investment in Apptronik
Google, another tech giant making significant strides in the robotics space, has invested in the U.S.-based robotics startup Apptronik. This investment is part of Google’s broader strategy to expand its robotics capabilities and integrate AI with humanoid robotics. Recently, Apptronik raised $350 million in funding to scale its humanoid robot production. Google, as a key investor, is expected to help the company enhance its robot’s AI capabilities. Apptronik’s humanoid robot, Apollo, stands 170 cm tall and weighs 73 kg, and it is already being tested in Mercedes-Benz factories.

Although Google has faced setbacks in its previous robotics endeavors, such as its acquisition of Boston Dynamics in 2013 (which later sold to Hyundai), the company has not abandoned its robotics ambitions. With advancements in AI technology, Google plans to apply its AI expertise to Apptronik’s robots, further pushing the boundaries of humanoid robot development. The collaboration is expected to bring innovation in robotic automation, and it signals that Google is positioning itself as a key player in the next phase of robotics evolution.

Rapid Growth of Robotics Startups
Alongside major tech companies, robotics startups are also seeing substantial growth. One notable example is Figure AI, a robotics company currently collaborating with BMW. During its recent funding round, Figure AI's valuation soared to $39.5 billion, more than 15 times its valuation just a year ago, which stood at $2.6 billion. This surge in valuation highlights the increasing demand for humanoid robots and the growing investment interest in this emerging market. Companies like Figure AI, with their cutting-edge robotic technology, are at the forefront of developing robots that can work alongside humans in industrial and consumer settings.

This surge in robotics investment is reshaping the future of industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and even household services. With tech giants like Meta and Google pushing the boundaries of AI and robotics, humanoid robots are on the verge of becoming commonplace, moving from experimental projects to practical tools for everyday life.

As companies like Meta and Google continue to pour resources into humanoid robot development, the competition in the sector will only intensify. While Tesla’s Optimus robot remains a leader in the field, the advancements made by these tech giants suggest that humanoid robots may soon become integral to both industrial and personal settings. The intersection of AI, robotics, and automation is poised to transform the way we live and work, signaling a new chapter in the evolution of intelligent machines.