Facebook's parent company, Meta, has acquired Assured Robot Intelligence (ARI), an emerging firm developing AI systems for robotic applications aimed at tackling key issues in sectors with significant workforce value. Although Meta already invests in its own robotic hardware and artificial intelligence, a representative informed Bloomberg that the purchase of ARI introduces specialized knowledge in crafting AI models and advanced features for robotic manipulation, adaptive learning, and comprehensive control of humanoid forms. Specific terms of the deal, including the cost, were not disclosed.
On X (formerly Twitter), ARI's co-founder Xiaolong Wang shared that the firm's initial objective involved creating a versatile agent capable of physical tasks through extensive training. He noted their conviction that this agent should take a humanoid shape, with expansion achieved by drawing insights straight from human interactions. According to Wang, Meta possesses the essential resources to realize this ambition. Wang, along with co-founders Xuxin Cheng and Lerrel Pinto, plus the full ARI staff, will integrate into Meta's Superintelligence Labs. Notably, Pinto previously helped establish Fauna Robotics, departing prior to its purchase by Amazon last year to support their humanoid robotics initiatives.
In 2025 statements, Meta's Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth outlined plans to develop licensable software for external firms, akin to Google's Android platform. He highlighted software as the primary limitation in this domain and described an approach beginning with tools to enable skilled hand movements, then progressively enhancing the system. Beyond Meta and Amazon, Tesla has long pursued humanoid robot innovation. The electric vehicle giant halted production of its Model S and X vehicles earlier this year, repurposing space at its Fremont facility to assemble the Optimus humanoid robots.