Meta partners with Chinese startup to build humanoid robot Max

Moving AI off the screen

Meta is exploring a new frontier for its artificial intelligence by giving it a physical body. While the company has focused on integrating AI into apps like Instagram and WhatsApp, it is now looking to create a humanoid form for its AI agent, Muse. This transition aims to move AI interactions out of digital screens and into the real world.

To achieve this, Meta teamed up with the Chinese robotics startup Fourier. The collaboration resulted in a prototype named Max, which was developed in just three months. This project represents a significant step in Meta's robotics division as they seek to create a physical embodiment for their software.

The goal is to create a machine that can interact naturally with humans in physical spaces. By giving Muse a body, Meta hopes to create a more immersive way for people to engage with AI. This shift suggests that the future of the company may involve hardware that can move, see, and react to its surroundings.

Technical specs of Max

Max is a humanoid robot that stands about five feet tall and weighs around 48 kilos. It features five-fingered hands capable of picking up small objects like toys and bottles. The robot also includes a screen on its face that can mimic human expressions, including movements of the eyes and the mouth.

The hardware is powered by Nvidia’s Jetson Thor computing platform. Meta did not simply put a logo on a pre-made robot; they customized the height, proportions, head, cameras, and shoes. They used Fourier’s experience from three previous generations of robots to build the foundation for this specific prototype.

Meta provided specific requirements for how Max should behave around people. The robot must be able to recognize a person's voice from as far as five meters away. It also needs to interpret hand gestures or waves from three meters away while maintaining consistent eye contact with the user.

Navigation and behavior

A key part of the project is ensuring the robot can communicate its internal state to humans. Max is designed to signal whether it is currently listening, thinking, speaking, or feeling uncertain. These cues help make the interaction feel more fluid and less confusing for the people it encounters.

The robot is equipped with two speakers built into its chest to facilitate communication. It also uses various sensors to help it navigate complex environments. Meta's leadership spent months at Fourier’s factory in Shanghai to ensure the prototype met these behavioral standards before an internal demonstration in August.

The company is already looking toward the next iteration of the hardware. Development on a second version began in September and will include a redesigned torso and improved hands for better object manipulation. This new version will also feature a projector to display visual content and extra sensors to help the robot navigate stairs.

Strategic context and rivals

Meta's move into humanoid robotics places it in a crowded and competitive field. It faces competition from Tesla’s Optimus, which is currently in its third version, and Figure, which is testing robots in home environments. Other companies like 1X Technologies are also moving toward making humanoid robots available for consumers.

The partnership with a Chinese company like Fourier comes during a period of high tension between the US and China. The two nations are currently in a heated race for AI dominance, leading to increased scrutiny over supply chains. The US Federal Communications Commission recently barred imports of some Chinese humanoid robots due to national security concerns.

Despite these tensions, Meta is using Fourier's expertise to accelerate its own development. The company has also been making other moves in the space, such as acquiring Assured Robot Intelligence. This startup specializes in AI models that help robots understand human behavior and adapt to different environments.

Research and future goals

Meta has stated that the current collaboration with Fourier is strictly for internal research and experimentation. A spokesperson confirmed that there are no immediate plans to sell these specific units to the public. The focus remains on testing the technology and seeing how the AI behaves in a physical form.

However, industry observers suggest that the long-term goal is to create a polished product for commercial use. By refining the hardware and the AI's ability to interact with the world, Meta hopes to eventually offer a product that can perform tasks in homes or workplaces. This would represent a major expansion of Meta's current ecosystem.

The company is building the infrastructure necessary to support this vision. By combining its existing AI models with new robotics hardware, Meta is attempting to create a versatile agent. While a commercial launch date has not been set, the rapid development of the second prototype suggests that the company is moving quickly.