Meta Partners with China’s Fourier for Humanoid Robot Development

Meta has tapped Shanghai-based robotics firm Fourier to assist in the development of its five-foot-tall humanoid robot, Max. The collaboration, which saw the construction of the initial prototype in approximately three months, reflects Meta's push to leverage established hardware platforms and robust supply chains to accelerate its research efforts.

Industry analysts note that the partnership helps Meta bypass domestic supply chain constraints in the U.S. by utilizing Fourier’s engineering capabilities in Shanghai. The robot, which runs on Nvidia’s Jetson Thor hardware, was designed to demonstrate advanced human-robot interaction, including facial expressions and gesture recognition—areas where Fourier has developed core competency through its history in medical rehabilitation robotics.

Fourier has grown significantly since its founding in 2015, receiving backing from high-profile investors including SoftBank Vision Fund 2 and Prosperity7 Ventures. Omdia estimates indicate the company shipped 300 humanoid robots in 2025, placing it sixth globally. While the Meta project is currently focused on research rather than commercial sales, it marks a significant validation of Fourier's technical platform.