Meta is experimenting with robots from companies like Watney Robotics, Kinova, and ABB to perform tasks such as replacing network cables, rebooting servers, and reinstalling hardware in its data centers. These tests are currently underway at several locations, including Meta's campus in Altoona, Iowa, and its Prometheus data center in New Albany, Ohio. At the Altoona site, two Watney robots have been used since June 2025 for cabling tasks, though they are still slower than human workers and require supervision. A Meta employee noted that advanced robotic systems could eventually cut up to 80% of the workload for certain roles. Robotic automation is not new to Meta's data centers, as the company has already deployed autonomous machines for tasks like moving heavy server racks and tracking inventory. However, recent tests are moving automation closer to the core of maintenance work. For example, a simple device can now remotely press the power button of a Mac Mini or similar equipment to reboot it. Despite these advancements, current robots face limitations such as difficulty navigating tight spaces, trouble distinguishing between different colored indicator lights, and downtime caused by battery recharging. Some tasks, like handling the complex cabling needed for Nvidia’s GB300 systems, remain beyond the current capabilities of these robots. Meta’s push into robotics has raised concerns about the future of employment in data centers, which are critical for powering artificial intelligence systems. In June 2026, the company began setting up industrial-like tents to house overheated servers due to a shortage of completed data centers. These "rapid deployment structures," part of Meta's Prometheus project, include weather-resistant tents powered by nearby gas turbines. Located in the Columbus, Ohio area, the project aims to quickly deploy high-capacity AI chips. Each of the six tents spans nearly 11,613 square meters and is supported by a 200-megawatt power plant. Beyond data centers, the use of robots is expanding across various industries. Companies like Bedrock Robotics are deploying autonomous vehicles for construction, while Mercedes-Benz is testing humanoid robots for repetitive tasks in manufacturing. These developments are driven by labor shortages and a focus on worker safety, though critics warn about the potential for job displacement. In March 2026, BMW introduced a humanoid robot into its German plant, following a trial in South Carolina. The company has established a new center to oversee the use of physical AI in production. Meanwhile, General Motors has reduced its electric vehicle ambitions and cut over 1,000 jobs at its Detroit plant, replacing some roles with 50 collaborative robots, which sparked union concerns. At the same time, Amazon is accelerating automation in its warehouses, aiming to reduce labor costs and save $12.6 billion between 2025 and 2027 by replacing up to 600,000 human positions with robots.