Meta · 2026-05-01 · major
Meta Acquires Assured Robot Intelligence — Humanoid Foundation Models for Superintelligence Labs
Meta acquires humanoid robotics startup ARI. Co-founders Xiaolong Wang and Lerrel Pinto join Meta Superintelligence Labs to build whole-body robot control models. Terms undisclosed.
Meta picks up ARI to staff a humanoid-robot foundation team inside Superintelligence Labs.
What is it?
Meta has acquired Assured Robot Intelligence (ARI), a humanoid-robotics AI startup co-founded by Xiaolong Wang (formerly NVIDIA, UC San Diego) and Lerrel Pinto (formerly NYU and Fauna Robotics). The team folds into Meta Superintelligence Labs' research division and will work on whole-body humanoid control models. Financial terms were not disclosed.
How does it work?
ARI was developing foundation models for robot control alongside hardware components like 'e-Flesh' tactile sensors. Meta plans to distribute the control models and sensor stack to outside manufacturers — a stated 'Android for humanoids' strategy where Meta supplies the intelligence layer and others build the bodies.
Why does it matter?
Meta is now staking a position in humanoid AI alongside Tesla, 1X, and Figure. Unlike vertically integrated rivals, Meta wants to license its platform to robot OEMs. The acquisition also brings two well-known researchers (Wang on robot policies, Pinto on robot learning) into the Superintelligence Labs orbit.
Who is it for?
robotics founders, AI/ML researchers, Meta watchers