According to a report by The Information, Meta is eyeing further investments in an AI data centre worth roughly $200 billion. The news is not official via Meta yet. Still, speculation is swirling around billions being spent by Meta to uphold its place as an emerging technology leader—from AI to robotics to XR.
Recent reports suggest that Meta will launch its AI data centres in Louisiana, Wyoming, or Texas with a multi-billion investment, but this is yet to be confirmed as of writing. Moreover, the news follows Meta’s investments into undersea cabling and AI data centres already present in the US.
Recently, Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth noted that some of the “core technologies” the firm invests in include AI and related technologies such as R&D into robotics, hand tracking, material simulation in Gemini, Aria, low-bandwidth, and always-on sensors. “We believe that expanding our portfolio to invest in this field will only accrue value to Meta AI and our mixed and augmented reality programs,” remarked the CTO, who also stakes 2025 as a critical period of leadership.
Meta’s AI ambitions are not just restricted to the US; the firm is deep in the EU; however, in the region, the firm is facing more roadblocks compared to the US, where it is placing billions-if reports are to be believed,
For example, Chris Yiu, Meta’s Director of Public Policy, explained at an event in Stockholm, Sweden:
I think there is now broad consensus that European regulation around technology has its issues, and sometimes it’s too fragmented, like GDPR [General Data Protection Regulation], sometimes it goes too far, like the AI Act. But the net result of all of that is that products get delayed or get watered down and European citizens and consumers suffer.
Yiu stated that regulatory challenges hinder the development of Meta Ray-Ban AI smart glasses in the EU. In a Meta speech, he described the technology as a “profound and very human application,” emphasizing that it is “slow to arrive in Europe due to the regulatory issues we face.”
Meta: Do or Die for the Future of AI and More
The news follows a memo from Bosworth that emphasized the significance of 2025, describing it as “the most critical year in my eight years at Reality Labs.” The memo outlined Reality Labs’ objectives to enhance sales, retention, and engagement across its immersive technology solutions. Bosworth stated, “This year will likely determine whether our efforts are seen as the work of visionaries or a legendary misadventure.”
Bosworth also added, “On paper, 2024 was our most successful year to date.” However, Meta is not “sitting around celebrating because know it isn’t enough. – We haven’t actually made a dent in the world yet,” remarked Boz.
“We live in an incredible time of technological achievement and have placed ourselves at the centre of it with our investments,” remarked Bosworth when speaking on XR. This sentiment could reflect Meta’s AI and robotics goals. There is a very good chance most of us will never get a chance like this again,” he also added.
Boz also said:
You should be doing the best work of your career right now. You should be pushing yourself to grow where needed and doubling down on your strengths. When you look back on this time, I want you to feel like you did everything in your power to make the most of it.
Meta is involved in various innovative projects that promise a profitable future for Zuckerberg’s company. Whether the firm will thrive and continue its legacy remains to be seen.
