❯ Meta and Fourier build a humanoid prototype in three months, with a second version underway

Max is an internal research platformMeta and China’s Fourier built a humanoid prototype called Max in roughly three months and are developing a second version. According to Investing.com’s account of The Information report, Meta said the work supports internal research and experimentation, with no plans to sell the units.

Connecting AI with physical tasksThe reported prototype has a facial-expression display, speakers and five-fingered hands for small objects. Work on Max 2 began in September, with planned improvements to its torso, hands and sensors for environments including stairs. Household assistance requires language understanding to connect continuously with perception, grasping and movement.

Hardware partnerships shorten experimentationWorking with an established robotics supplier gives Meta physical equipment for testing and training sooner. The prototypes explore how AI and mechanical systems work together; commercial products would also require reliability, cost and operating-environment work. Meta has announced no consumer launch date.

▮ SIGNALRobotics partnerships give model developers physical test platforms sooner, bringing competition into manipulation and operation in real environments.