Technology
Meta Quietly Tests Robots to Replace Data Center Workers as AI Infrastructure Costs Soar
The social media giant is piloting robots from multiple vendors that can handle cable management, server resets, and power cycling—potentially replacing up to 80% of some technician roles.
WIRED — AI
Meta is quietly deploying robots across its data center operations to automate physical tasks that human technicians currently perform, according to current and former employees. The effort signals a strategy to manage labor costs as the company's spending on AI infrastructure accelerates rapidly.
The Robots at Work#
The company is experimenting with hardware from vendors including Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB. One trial involves a Kinova Gen3 robotic arm designed for power cycling—temporarily shutting down server electricity. In parallel tests, Meta is deploying machines that swap networking cables and simpler devices resembling fingers that remotely trigger power buttons on Mac Minis and other equipment for restart operations.
According to one Meta data center worker, a successful cable-swapping bot could handle up to 80 percent of certain job responsibilities. "We thought those of us performing the physical tasks were safe for a while," the worker noted, "but not anymore."
A Changing Skill Profile#
Internal company discussions among Meta staff in Altoona, Iowa—where the company operates its largest data center campus—reveal growing anxiety about job security. Workers report that Meta is developing AI-assisted systems and considering hiring strategies that favor lower-skilled labor. One technician described a shift in hiring priorities: "They no longer want people who can think independently, come up with creative solutions, or perform complex troubleshooting. They want 'smart hands,' people who are just capable enough to follow AI instructions and not mess anything up."
Some employees also worry that Meta may consolidate certain roles in regions with lower labor costs, such as Denver, Colorado.
Meta's Counter-Narrative#
Meta's official position downplays automation concerns. The company launched a workforce academy in 2025 to train thousands of workers in electrical, mechanical, and plumbing trades annually at no cost, and guarantees employment in states including Louisiana, Ohio, Indiana, and Texas. A company spokesperson said, "America is in the middle of its biggest infrastructure boom since World War II and there's a major shortage of skilled workers to fill the roles; we need more workers, not fewer."
At an industry conference, Eric Xu, Meta's senior robotics manager, outlined the company's long-term vision: robots could accelerate incident response, monitor facilities, and manage preventative maintenance.
