Meta Built Humanoid Prototype With Chinese Startup To Ramp Up Robotics Push

Meta has reportedly developed a prototype humanoid robot in partnership with Shanghai-based robotics startup Fourier, marking a significant step in the company's push into embodied AI and robotics. According to a report by The Information, cited by Reuters, Meta has already begun work on a second-generation version of the prototype.

The reported robot, internally known as "Max," was developed in roughly three months and is designed as a research platform rather than a commercial product. The prototype reportedly stands about 1.5 metres tall, weighs around 48 kilograms, runs on Nvidia's Jetson Thor chip, and features five-fingered hands capable of manipulating small objects. It also includes a display that can mimic facial expressions and built-in speakers.

Meta built a humanoid robot with China's Fourier.

The prototype, Max, reportedly took about three months.

~1.5 m, ~48 kg, running on Nvidia Jetson Thor.

Max 2 is reportedly underway.

Meta says it's for internal research, with no plans to sell. pic.twitter.com/FD6liWMJ58

— clankr (@clankrmedia) November 1, 2026

Meta's robotics team is said to have worked closely with Fourier in China during development. The project was reportedly showcased to selected Meta employees at an internal robotics summit, while a follow-up model, Max 2, is already under development with planned upgrades including improved dexterity, additional sensors, and better mobility.

Meta's initiative aligns with its broader strategy of extending artificial intelligence beyond software into physical systems. The company reportedly sees humanoid robots as a potential embodiment of its AI technologies, with long-term ambitions centred on assisting with household and everyday tasks. Meta has indicated that the project remains focused on internal research and experimentation and that it currently has no plans to commercialise the prototype.

The move places Meta among a growing group of technology companies pursuing humanoid robotics, including Tesla, Figure AI, Agility Robotics, and several Chinese robotics firms. As advances in AI continue, major technology companies are increasingly exploring how intelligent software can be integrated into physical robotic platforms.