Meta has teamed up with Chinese robotics startup Fourier to build 'Max,' a five-foot-tall humanoid robot developed in roughly three months, showcasing rapid progress in humanoid robotics through a blend of advanced hardware, software, and manufacturing expertise.
- Fourier developed Max in about three months using local robotics expertise.
- Meta aims for Max to recognize voices, gestures, and maintain natural interactions.
- Fourier shipped 300 humanoid robots in 2025, ranking sixth globally.
What happened
Meta partnered with Shanghai-based robotics startup Fourier to develop 'Max,' a 1.5-meter humanoid robot capable of facial expressions and five-fingered dexterous grasping. The initial version was built in approximately three months, leveraging Fourier’s strong technical foundation and mature Chinese robotics supply chain. Meta's robotics vice president Li-Chen Miller spent nearly two months onsite to oversee the development.
The two companies have already started working on a second version of Max, reflecting the fast iteration cycle enabled by Fourier’s platform. This collaboration was demonstrated internally at Meta’s robotics summit in August 2026 and is focused on research rather than commercial sales for now.
Why it matters
Fourier’s background in rehabilitation robotics provides it with expertise in motion control, force feedback, and multimodal human-robot interaction, which aligns closely with Meta’s requirements for Max’s capabilities such as voice recognition from five meters, gesture interpretation, and expressive eye contact. These features are critical for robots designed to interact naturally with humans.
Furthermore, Meta’s choice highlights challenges in sourcing components domestically in the U.S. and acknowledges the strength of China’s robotics ecosystem. Fourier’s rapid prototyping and supply chain access made the partnership viable and underscored the startup’s rising influence, which has attracted significant investment from leading funds, positioning it as a key player in global humanoid robotics.
What to watch next
The next steps will reveal whether Fourier can convert its engineering advances and investment momentum into commercial scale and broader market impact. With an estimated 300 humanoids shipped in 2025, Fourier has already earned a top-six global ranking, but sustaining growth amid competition will be crucial.
Meta’s continued involvement with Fourier and development of subsequent Max versions could serve as a validation for the startup’s platform, potentially accelerating deployment of humanoid robots in industrial, care, and public-service applications. Updates on further product releases and new investments will be key indicators of Fourier’s trajectory.