{
  "id": 3973854,
  "title": "Sources: Meta is testing robots from ABB and others to handle data center tasks such as swapping cables and resetting servers as it seeks to lower labor costs (Paresh Dave/Wired)",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/sources-meta-is-testing-robots-from-abb-and-others-to-handle-data",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-28T13:21:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Techmeme",
    "slug": "techmeme",
    "url": "https://www.wired.com/story/inside-metas-experiments-with-data-center-robots/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Meta, the social media giant, is testing robots from various vendors, including ABB and Kinova, for handling tasks within data centers. These tasks encompass swapping cables and resetting servers, all aimed at reducing labor costs. Meta is using a Kinova Gen3 robotic arm to evaluate the potential for power cycling servers or cutting off electricity. Additionally, they are testing another robot that could replace the swapping of networking cables. One data center worker estimates that, if the testing is successful, this robot could replace up to 80% of certain workloads typically performed by humans. The worker expressed concern, stating, \"We thought those of us performing the physical tasks were safe for a while, but not anymore. It's coming for us all, unfortunately.\"\n\nAt some facilities, Meta has quietly introduced a simpler robot designed to press the power button on devices, such as Mac Minis, remotely when prompted by a human. The company has not commented on the testing mentioned in this article, but a spokesperson stated that Meta is investing in training and hiring workers to build and operate its data centers. Despite this, Meta's senior manager for robotics pointed out during a conference that their long-term goals include incorporating robots into data centers. These robots could expedite incident response, monitor environments, and perform preventative maintenance tasks.\n\nHistorically, robots were not well-suited for the delicate work performed in data centers due to their high costs and the potential for damaging servers. However, advancements in hardware and artificial intelligence have made robots more viable for such tasks. Startups are currently developing commercial robots capable of assembling servers, swapping parts, and replacing wires. Robots could potentially offer consistent output at a lower cost than human labor, particularly in regions with abundant data centers but a shortage of skilled workers. Furthermore, proponents argue that robots could take on repetitive and dangerous tasks, allowing human workers to focus on more complex challenges. This could make it more feasible to operate data centers in inhospitable environments, such as underwater or in space.\n\nThe use of robots in data centers has received little attention from activists involved in a nationwide movement against the industry. Tech companies often highlight job opportunities for humans as a positive aspect to justify tax breaks. In Altoona, Iowa, Meta's largest data center campus employs hundreds of workers. The facility opened in 2014 and is set to receive several years of property tax breaks, which the city has viewed as a worthwhile trade-off for increased prestige. However, Meta worker group chats have taken on a demoralized tone, with workers expressing concerns about potential job losses due to robots. Some worry that the quality of available jobs is shifting downward, as Meta develops AI technologies that may allow them to hire less skilled workers and centralize roles in more financially advantageous locations, such as Denver, Colorado. Despite these concerns, Meta maintains that there is a significant need for skilled workers, recently launching a training program to provide free education and job guarantees in various trades. The city's mayor has stated that automation is inevitable and that they will adapt to it as it progresses.",
  "summary": "The company is testing robots that can swap cables, reset servers, and take on other tasks performed by technicians …",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}