Meta is developing an AI-powered clone of CEO Mark Zuckerberg to interact with employees, according to reports from the Financial Times. The photorealistic 3D character, trained on Zuckerberg's mannerisms, tone, and public statements, aims to provide feedback and maintain a connection with employees in his absence. The project is part of Meta's broader push into AI, with Zuckerberg reportedly spending five to ten hours weekly coding on AI initiatives.
The AI clone is distinct from Zuckerberg's separate 'CEO agent' project, which focuses on assisting him with information retrieval. Meta has invested heavily in AI, including the recent launch of Muse Spark, a small AI model with advanced reasoning capabilities, and Contemplating mode, which runs multiple AI agents simultaneously. The company has also introduced AI-powered chatbots based on celebrities like Snoop Dogg, signaling its commitment to integrating AI across its platforms.
Zuckerberg's hands-on approach includes moving his desk to the AI lab and collaborating closely with researchers. Meta President Dina Powell McCormick noted his deep involvement in AI development, citing his need to understand the technology at a fundamental level. The company's AI efforts are part of a broader strategy to compete with industry leaders like OpenAI and Google, as it seeks to embed AI deeply into its products and operations.