Well it’s no secret that Mark Zuckerberg has spent the past few years trying to convince us that the metaverse is the future. But as it turns out, the real future is replacing our lazy a$$es with a humanoid robot that folds our laundry and washes our dishes (on the other hand, if they look anything like Subservience, I’m game). 

(Source: Giphy) 

In short, Meta is diving headfirst into the humanoid robotics game, setting up a new division within Reality Labs to develop AI-powered robots that will one day take over household chores. The company isn’t planning to slap a Meta logo on these bots—yet. Instead, the goal is to become the Android of humanoid robotics, supplying the AI, sensors, and software that other manufacturers can use.

The plan, apparently, is for Meta to build the brains, and let others build the bodies. Meta has already started talks with robotics companies like Unitree Robotics and Figure AI to develop this futuristic housekeeper army. They’ve also hired former GM Cruise CEO Marc Whitten to lead the effort, because if there’s one thing you want when building humanoid robots, it’s the guy who ran a self-driving car company that got banned from San Francisco streets for running over pedestrians LOL.

(Source: Bloomberg) 

But alas, that’s not even the largest elephant in the room with this shindig. It’s the fact that Meta is planning to pile another $65 billion on Reality Labs this year—which includes AI infrastructure, VR, and now, humanoid robots. Why the massive investment? Because Zuck sees the long game. While companies like Tesla are building their own humanoid robots, Meta wants to own the software and AI that powers them all. Think Google’s Android strategy, but instead of powering your phone, it’s powering a robot that will eventually judge your life choices in real-time face-to-face. 

Of course, if Zuck is going to insert himself into this growing trend, there’s never been a better time than now. Everyone and their mother is throwing billions into the space, and yet they still don’t give a rats tail that the AI powered humanoid robots are still in the “cool demo, but useless in real life” stage. For instance, right now, even the most advanced humanoid robots struggle with basic tasks like folding a t-shirt or carrying a glass of water without looking like they’re having an existential crisis. However, Meta thinks it can change that by leveraging its AI models, AR/VR data, and always-on sensors to make humanoids actually functional. 

(Source: New York Post) 

Plus, given the fact that Apple and Google are already sniffing around humanoid robotics, Meta doesn’t want to overlook this chance to stay relevant in AI beyond training Instagram’s algorithm on your thirst traps. 

What’s more, and quite comical, is that Meta is very careful to say it’s not building its own branded humanoid robot—yet. That’s almost certainly an attempt to avoid a direct war with Tesla’s Optimus, which Elon Musk has promised will be available for consumers at around $30,000 once it stops walking like it just learned what legs are. But still, if Meta’s AI platform becomes the industry standard, Zuck will absolutely launch his own branded bot. There’s no universe where his ego lets Tesla have all the glory. 

(Source: Giphy) 

So given all this, what's next? Well, as I’m sure you know, Meta’s track record with big bets is… questionable at best. The metaverse was an expensive joke, and Reality Labs has already burned through billions trying to sell people on VR headsets they don’t want. But humanoid robots? That’s the play that apparently makes sense right now. 

Of course, will it pay off? Possibly. But at the very least, it’s a hell of a lot more exciting than the metaverse. That's for sure. In the meantime, keep an eye on Meta as they are crushing All-Time Highs day after day and place your bets accordingly, friends. As always, stay safe and stay frosty! Until next time… 

P.S. Want deep dives on the hottest AI plays before the rest of the market catches on? Want to know who’s riding the hype train and who’s actually building something that won’t collapse the second the AI bubble deflates? Want the inside track on the moves that matter before they hit the front page? Then quit playing around and subscribe to Stocks.News Premium ASAP… 

Stocks.News holds positions in Apple, Google, Tesla, and Meta as mentioned in the article.