Meta Buys Robot AI Startup for Humanoid Push

Meta Platforms has acquired Assured Robot Intelligence, an AI software startup for robots, to advance its humanoid robotics ambitions. Financial terms were not disclosed. The San Diego-based startup was co-founded by AI researchers Lerrel Pinto and Xiaolong Wang, whose work includes a humanoid robot control system using VR headsets. The acquired team will join Meta Superintelligence Labs, which oversees the company's AI and robotics efforts. Meta reportedly aims not to build its own humanoid robot but to supply software and components to other market players, similar to Qualcomm's role in the mobile industry.