Meta has developed a bipedal humanoid robot called Max, designed to perform household tasks such as picking up objects from the floor and organising shelves. The prototype was built in three months in partnership with Chinese firm Fourier, which specialises in actuators and medical robotics.

According to information published by technology portal Pplware, the robot stands approximately 1.50 metres tall and weighs around 48 kilograms. Assembly took place on production lines in the Chinese cities of Shanghai and Shenzhen. Max is equipped with cameras and microphones mounted on the front of its torso and upper frame, enabling it to recognise voice commands from up to five metres away and respond to gestural instructions within a three-metre radius.

On the processing side, Max runs on NVIDIA’s Jetson Thor module, which handles visual data processing and movement control. The system operates alongside Meta’s Muse artificial intelligence model, developed to give the prototype spatial perception and navigation capabilities.

The robot also features articulated five-fingered hands capable of manipulating objects such as cups and items of clothing. Its front panel incorporates a screen able to display simple visual expressions, while speakers embedded in the torso enable audio playback.

Meta is already reported to be working on a second version, designated Max 2, which is expected to offer improved weight distribution and new sensors designed to allow it to climb stairs without losing balance. The updated model is also expected to include a video projector to facilitate interaction with people sharing the same space.

Despite these technical advances, the project faces challenges related to component supply chains from China, as the United States has tightened customs and trade regulations. Battery autonomy during extended periods of operation has been identified as a further obstacle in testing.

The initiative comes amid intensifying competition in the humanoid robotics sector, with companies such as Figure and Tesla investing in machines capable of performing tasks in both domestic and industrial environments. For now, Meta is keeping Max as an internal research platform, without announcing a timeline for any potential commercial launch.

Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=557930