Jakarta, INTI - Meta is reportedly collaborating with China-based robotics company Fourier to develop a humanoid robot prototype named Max. The project is designed to support artificial intelligence (AI) research and advance robotic technologies capable of assisting with household tasks.
According to a report by The Next Web on Sunday, November 1, 2026, the prototype was developed within approximately three months.
Max is primarily intended for Meta’s internal research, particularly to test the integration of AI agents with human-shaped robotic systems.
Meta reportedly has no plans to commercialize the robot or make it available to the general public.
Robot Max Stands 1.5 Meters Tall and Weighs 48 Kilograms
The Max humanoid robot stands approximately 1.5 meters tall and weighs around 48 kilograms.
It is powered by Nvidia’s Jetson Thor chip, which serves as its primary processing component.
Max also features an interactive display capable of presenting various facial expressions, along with integrated speakers to support communication with users.
Its hands are equipped with five fingers designed to perform precise movements, enabling the robot to grip and handle small objects.
Max’s physical design reflects Meta’s efforts to develop robotic systems capable of interacting with their surrounding environments.
Meta Robotics Executive Joins Development Efforts in Shanghai
The development of Max directly involved Li-Chen Miller, Meta’s Vice President of Product for Robotics.
Miller reportedly spent nearly two months at Fourier’s manufacturing facility in Shanghai, China, as part of the joint prototype development process.
The collaboration focuses on combining robotic hardware with AI technologies developed by Meta.
Max is envisioned as a physical embodiment of Meta’s AI agent, known as Muse.
Through this integration, Meta aims to expand AI agents' capabilities beyond digital environments, enabling them to perform tasks involving direct interaction with physical objects and surroundings.
One of the project's key objectives is to develop robots capable of assisting with everyday household activities.
Nvidia Reportedly Invests US$3 Billion in Muse Development
Meta’s robotics research is reportedly supported by an expanded research collaboration with Nvidia.
According to the report, Nvidia has agreed to invest US$3 billion, equivalent to approximately IDR 54.4 trillion, in Meta.
The investment is linked to the development of Project Muse, an AI agent envisioned as part of Meta’s humanoid robotics ecosystem.
Beyond supporting AI development, Nvidia technology is also integrated into Max’s hardware through its Jetson Thor processing chip.
Combining AI computing capabilities with robotic hardware remains a key focus of Meta’s research efforts.
Meta and Fourier Begin Developing Max 2 in September
Following the completion of the first prototype, Meta and Fourier have continued their research by developing a second-generation humanoid robot.
Named Max 2, the next-generation prototype entered development in September 2026.
Meta had previously showcased the original Max prototype during an internal company event in late August 2026.
Max 2 is expected to introduce several improvements over its predecessor, including structural modifications and enhanced hand movement capabilities.
The development plans also include adding an integrated projector to the second-generation robot.
Furthermore, Max 2 is expected to feature navigation sensors designed to support movement on staircases.
These upgrades aim to expand the robot’s ability to navigate and interact with physical environments.
Meta Enters the Global Humanoid Robotics Race
Meta’s development of Max adds another major technology company to the growing global humanoid robotics landscape.
Tesla has previously introduced its Optimus humanoid robot, while robotics company Agility is developing its Digit 5 robot, which is planned to incorporate Nvidia hardware.
Meanwhile, China-based Unitree is advancing AI technologies designed to enable robots to improve their capabilities autonomously.
These developments highlight the growing focus on humanoid robotics for industrial applications and everyday household activities.
For Meta, however, Max remains an internal research prototype, with no current plans for consumer commercialization.
The development of Max 2 represents the company's next step toward integrating its Muse AI agent with physical robots capable of performing real-world tasks.
Conclusion
Meta’s collaboration with Fourier marks a significant step in advancing humanoid robotics through AI integration. By developing Max and its successor, Max 2, the company aims to explore how AI agents such as Muse can move beyond digital applications and perform practical tasks in physical environments. Although the robots remain experimental prototypes, the initiative highlights Meta’s growing ambitions in the global humanoid robotics race, particularly in developing intelligent machines for everyday household assistance.
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