Meta, the technology conglomerate overseen by Mark Zuckerberg, is reportedly forming a new hardware team as part of its artificial intelligence operations, according to a report from Business Insider. This initiative is situated within the framework of the Meta Superintelligence Labs (MSL), a high-profile AI division launched in 2025 under the direction of former Scale AI chief Alexandr Wang.
The creation of this hardware team suggests that Meta aims to expand its offerings beyond existing products like smart glasses and virtual reality headsets, which are developed under its Reality Labs unit. The report indicates that the new hardware team under MSL is indicative of Meta’s exploration into novel categories of AI-driven devices.
While the initiative has not been officially announced, it is reported that some employees from Reality Labs have transitioned to MSL, collaborating on prototyping software for new devices while utilizing existing hardware. Both divisions are said to be working closely on this project, emphasizing a unified approach to their AI endeavors.
To lead the hardware division at MSL, Meta has hired Rui Xu, a seasoned engineer with a notable background. Xu previously managed hardware at Dreamer, an AI agent start-up that Meta acquired last month. His extensive experience also includes leadership roles at K-Scale, a robotics start-up, and significant positions at ByteDance, Xiaomi, Lenovo, and Tencent, where he oversaw the development of smart devices that achieved mass production in China.
The report also highlights that Nat Friedman, who leads product and applied research at MSL, had previously invested in K-Scale through his AI Grant program, indicating a substantial network of collaboration within the AI sector.
This strategic move by Meta comes as competition in the tech industry heats up, with major firms striving to develop AI-native hardware. OpenAI is reportedly working on its own hardware after acquiring a start-up co-founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, with plans to launch ChatGPT-powered devices as early as next year. Similarly, Apple is rumored to be developing an AI-powered personal device, described as an AI Pin roughly the size of an AirTag. This device is expected to feature a thin, flat circular design with dual cameras, three microphones for audio capture, and a speaker for sound output.
As Meta forges ahead with its new hardware team, the implications for the broader industry are significant. The initiative reflects an increasing trend among technology giants to integrate artificial intelligence into their hardware offerings, potentially reshaping how consumers interact with technology in everyday life. With the rapid advancements in AI capabilities, the race to innovate could lead to a new wave of devices that dramatically enhance user experiences across various applications.
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