Meta Tests Robots in Data Centers as Workers Fear 80% of Jobs Could Be Automated

Meta is testing robots inside its data centers capable of swapping cables and resetting servers, sparking fears among workers that up to 80% of their jobs could be automated, even as the company publicly claims it needs more skilled employees.

• Meta is actively testing robots from vendors including Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB inside its data centers to perform tasks such as swapping cables, resetting servers, and power cycling equipment, with one worker warning the technology could replace up to 80 percent of some employees' workloads.
• Data center workers are expressing growing fear and demoralization over job security, with internal group chats reflecting concerns that robots and AI software will eliminate positions or shift hiring toward lower-skilled, lower-paid workers who simply follow AI instructions.
• While Meta publicly insists it needs more skilled workers and has launched training and apprenticeship programs, industry experts caution that no fully proven robotic solution exists yet, as challenges like slow battery life, limited sensor capability, and hardware designed for human hands continue to slow deployment.