Meta vs Tesla: Rivalry Shifts to Humanoid Robotics

- Meta accelerates humanoid AI training with first-person data via AI-powered glasses. - Tesla leverages vehicle datasets and internet footage to power its Optimus robot innovation. Meta and Tesla are escalating their tech rivalry. On September 28, 2025, Cryptopolitan reported that their battle has shifted from social media dominance to an ambitious clash over humanoid robotics. Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk are spearheading this competition, which stems from their broader strategic focus on artificial intelligence (AI). Their companies are taking distinct approaches to train intelligent machines capable of human-like tasks. To advance its efforts, Meta is collecting first-person data. The company introduced new AI-powered glasses that capture video and audio from the user's perspective, which Meta will use to train intelligent robots in simulated environments. These glasses, now available to consumers, are a key part of the company's strategy to gather vital data and refine its AI. Analysts project that up to 20 million units will be in use within two years, creating substantial datasets to train humanoid robots in virtual systems. In addition, Meta is bolstering its expertise by recruiting top-tier specialists, such as Marc Whitten, the former CEO of General Motors' self-driving division, and MIT robotics professor Sangbae Kim. Tesla, on the other hand, pioneers a different approach. The company uses its vast video dataset, gathered from eight million self-driving vehicles, to train its Optimus robot. To complement this data, the robot also learns from internet footage of humans performing various tasks, a training method aimed at enhancing its ability to replicate human activities. Elon Musk has publicly envisioned a future with widespread humanoid robot adoption, projecting a global population of 10 billion robots by 2040. This evolution marks a key turning point in the rivalry between Zuckerberg and Musk. Both leaders aim to advance superintelligent robotics with the goal of redefining AI innovation, reshaping workspaces, and transforming daily life on a global scale. Their contrasting strategies highlight different paths toward this common goal, as Meta uses a human-first, immersive data approach, while Tesla relies on autonomous vehicle and web-based training.