Meta has announced the development of a humanoid robot named Max, a collaboration with the Chinese robotics firm Fourier. This prototype was created in a remarkably short timeframe of three months. Weighing approximately 48 kilos and standing about five feet tall, Max features five-fingered hands, built-in speakers, and a display capable of mimicking facial expressions.

According to reports, Max is not merely a rebranded Fourier robot. The project involved a customised design that incorporated Fourier’s hardware and expertise from its earlier robot generations. Adjustments were made to Max’s height, proportions, head, display, cameras, hands, and shoes to meet specific requirements set by Meta.

Capabilities and Features

Max is designed to interact with humans in various ways. It can reportedly recognise a person’s voice from a distance of five metres and interpret hand gestures or waves from three metres away. Additionally, it is programmed to maintain eye contact and signal its state of engagement, whether listening, thinking, speaking, or uncertain.

Meta’s robotics division views Max as a potential physical manifestation of its AI agent, Muse. This initiative aims to extend AI’s capabilities beyond screens, allowing it to engage in the physical world. Development for a second version of the robot reportedly commenced in September, focusing on significant enhancements.

The upcoming prototype is expected to feature a redesigned torso, improved hands for better object manipulation, a projector for visual content display, and additional sensors to facilitate navigation, including stairs. However, there is currently no confirmed date for a commercial launch.

Technical Specifications and Development

Max operates on Nvidia’s Jetson Thor computing platform, equipped with a display that can replicate facial expressions, including eye and mouth movements. It includes two speakers located in its chest and is capable of picking up small objects, such as bottles and toys, using its five-fingered hands.

Meta’s vice president of product for robotics reportedly dedicated nearly two months at Fourier’s facility in Shanghai to refine the prototype. This collaboration culminated in a demonstration of Max to select Meta employees during an internal robotics summit held in late August.

Meta’s foray into robotics is not entirely new; the company launched Meta Robotics Studio early last year and acquired Assured Robot Intelligence in May 2026. This startup focuses on developing AI models aimed at enhancing robots’ understanding of human behaviour and adaptability to various environments.

Geopolitical Context and Market Competition

The partnership with Fourier occurs amidst rising tensions between Washington and Beijing in the AI sector. Allegations regarding technology theft and espionage have been prevalent, as China emerges as a significant player in humanoid robot manufacturing. Concurrently, US companies are also advancing their own robotic systems.

In July 2026, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) imposed restrictions on the import of new Chinese humanoid robots, citing concerns over supply chains and national security. Existing regulations permit limited imports for testing and product development, although the FCC has proposed further tightening these limits.

As the competition in the humanoid robot market intensifies, Meta faces numerous established players, including Tesla’s Optimus project, which is now in its third iteration. Other companies, such as Figure and 1X Technologies, are also making strides in this field, with their robots being tested in domestic environments and pre-orders announced, respectively.

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