Meta is conducting trials with robotic systems from vendors including Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB to automate various tasks within its data center operations, according to current and former employees with knowledge of the initiatives. The testing includes evaluation of robotic arms for power cycling servers and devices designed to swap networking cables and restart equipment remotely. One worker estimated that successful deployment of such systems could eliminate up to 80 percent of certain technician workloads.
The company’s interest in data center automation aligns with statements made by Eric Xu, Meta’s senior manager for robotics, at a previous industry conference, where he outlined the company’s long-term objectives to deploy robots for incident response, environmental monitoring, and preventative maintenance. Recent technological advances have made robotic systems more affordable and capable than in previous years, addressing earlier challenges where robots damaged server equipment during experimental tasks. The improving capabilities of artificial intelligence models driving these systems have expanded their practical applications.
Meta’s official position emphasizes ongoing hiring and workforce development rather than replacement. Company spokesperson Francis Brennan stated that Meta is investing significantly in training and recruitment for data center positions, citing a national shortage of skilled workers in infrastructure roles. The company has launched programs to train thousands of individuals annually in electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work at no cost, with employment guarantees in several states and partnerships with building trade unions for apprenticeships.
However, some data center employees express concern about job security and changing workplace requirements. Workers report internal communications indicating anxiety about automation timelines, while others note shifts toward hiring less experienced personnel and centralizing certain roles in lower-cost regions. Some employees perceive a move away from hiring independent problem-solvers toward “smart hands”—workers capable of following artificial intelligence directives with minimal independent decision-making.
The automation developments have received limited attention from activist groups opposing data center expansion, which have traditionally focused on tax incentives and community impact. Municipal leaders, such as Altoona Mayor Dean O’Connor, have not prioritized the automation question despite Meta’s substantial presence in their communities. As municipalities reconsider data center tax agreements and regulatory frameworks, the employment implications of increasing automation may require greater scrutiny.
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