Meta is deepening its involvement in the robotics market with new advancements focused on enhancing touch perception, dexterity, and human-robot interaction. Through its Fundamental AI Research (FAIR) team, Meta has introduced innovations such as Meta Sparsh, a universal touch perception model, and Meta Digit 360, a tactile fingertip sensor with human-level sensitivity.
These technologies aim to bridge the gap between AI systems and real-world physical interactions, opening opportunities for applications in healthcare, manufacturing, and beyond.
In collaboration with GelSight Inc., Meta plans to make Digit 360 commercially available in 2025, facilitating access for researchers. Wonik Robotics will also manufacture an updated version of the Allegro Hand, integrated with Digit Plexus, set for release next year.
Furthermore, Meta introduced the PARTNR benchmark to evaluate human-robot collaboration. Built on the Habitat 3.0 simulator, PARTNR tests robots’ planning and reasoning abilities in human-robot interactions across realistic, home-like environments. The benchmark aims to help AI transition from performing isolated tasks to becoming collaborative partners in social settings.
Meta publicly shares models, datasets, and software, promoting collaboration with the robotics community. Through these innovations, Meta says it wants to propel AI toward becoming both physically capable and socially aware, facilitating real-world applications across industries.
