Facebook is trialing robots that can autonomously move massive computer racks — let’s just hope they don’t forget to unplug before they move
Facebook parent company Meta is testing machines that can move IT infrastructure weighing up to 1,500 kg to prevent potential injuries to data center staff.
The company showed off a setup at the Open Compute Summit designed to automate the migration of data center racks while they are full of equipment, according to The register.
These motorized carts, made by Jtec, are usually used to move racks within warehouses and often autonomously. But many hyperscalers and large technology companies want to move racks while fully loaded – which is completely infeasible for human staff to do it alone. That’s why Meta engaged Jtec to deploy such a system that would allow it to move its racks over long distances without any hassle. It’s called the ORV2/ORV3 Compatible Server Cart and Jtec thinks it’s the future of transporting IT infrastructure in massive data centers.
Automation of the transport of IT equipment
That’s because handling heavy racks that meet ORV2 or ORV3 specifications can weigh 1,400 kg and 1,500 kg respectively.
The “constant handling of heavy racks… can lead to worker fatigue, posing safety risks and potentially affecting decision-making,” according to one blog post written by senior Jtec staff, published with the Open Compute Project.
“The risk of accidents, including collisions with other workers or equipment and fall accidents, further increases safety concerns.”
By using an automated rack moving system, which consists of ORV2/ORV3 compatible server carts, the company hopes to address security concerns and make the entire process of moving IT equipment faster and more efficient.
Jtec also claims that implementing such a system will enable continuous motion, which can lead to better scalability and allow data centers to power racks on or off in response to demand without delay.
As is the case with ideals surrounding IT automation, skilled personnel who would otherwise be asked to move equipment can be deployed to work on more strategic tasks.