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Meta is testing robots that can plug in cables, reset servers, and handle other tasks inside its data centers, according to several current and former workers familiar with the projects.

The ongoing effort, which has not been previously reported, may eventually allow Meta to operate its rapidly expanding data center footprint with fewer humans, keeping labor costs in check as its spending on AI infrastructure soars.

Meta is using robots and related hardware from several different vendors, according to the same workers. Kinova and ABB declined to comment. Watney didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Meta declined to comment on the testing described in this story. But company spokesperson Francis Brennan said in a statement that Meta is investing heavily in training and hiring workers to build and operate its data centers.

But even if adoption of robots proves slower than anticipated, some worry the quality of jobs available is trending downward. In the data center campus of Altoona, Iowa, Meta worker group chats have reportedly taken on a demoralized tone.

Meta contends its need for skilled workers remains robust. But as communities rethink data center tax breaks and weigh putting new rules on the industry, the prospect of robots replacing at least some jobs may need to become a bigger concern.

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