Meta is making strides in AI hardware devices, particularly with the success of its Meta Ray-Ban AI smart glasses, which have sold over 7 million units. Reports suggest that the company, under the leadership of Mark Zuckerberg, is intensifying its focus on hardware by establishing a dedicated team within its Superintelligence Labs (MSL).
According to a Business Insider report, the Meta Superintelligence Labs division, headed by Alexandr Wang, is forming a specialized hardware team. This team is expected to operate independently from the Reality Labs division, which oversaw the development of products like the Meta Ray-Bans and ventures into the metaverse.
The Meta Superintelligence Labs is at the forefront of Meta’s AI initiatives, responsible for creating future AI products, including agentic AI. Engineers from the Reality Labs division have already transitioned to MSL to work on prototyping AI software using Reality Labs hardware.
While the new hardware team will function separately from Reality Labs, close collaboration between the two divisions is anticipated. Notably, Meta recently downsized its workforce, including staff from Reality Labs.
The upcoming hardware team is set to explore new devices beyond smart glasses and VR headsets, although specific details about the forthcoming products remain undisclosed. Rui Xu, a seasoned engineer with experience at Dreamer and ByteDance, has been appointed to lead the hardware division within MSL.
Meta is not alone in its expansion into AI-native hardware development. OpenAI is preparing to launch its inaugural AI hardware device, designed by former Apple chief designer Jony Ive. Additionally, Apple and Nothing are reportedly working on their own smart products, including AI smart glasses.
Meta’s strategic push into AI extends beyond hardware, with efforts to enhance recommendation algorithms for platforms like Instagram and Facebook. The company has made notable acquisitions in the AI space, such as Moltbook and Manus AI, to bolster its capabilities. Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg is known to leverage AI tools, including his own AI CEO agent, for work optimization.
Amid its AI advancements, Meta is considering workforce reductions to streamline operations and manage costs. The company’s planned layoffs align with similar actions taken by tech peers like Oracle and Amazon. As Meta progresses in the AI landscape, it continues to navigate the evolving technology and market dynamics.