Apple has announced the departure of Jian Zhang, the company’s head of robotics research, who has accepted a leading position at Meta Platforms Inc. Zhang’s move to Meta’s Robotics Studio, part of the Reality Labs division, represents a major shift in the AI and robotics talent landscape and marks a significant development for both companies.
Jian Zhang has been a key figure at Apple for the past decade, serving as the chief artificial intelligence researcher in robotics. His work focused on advancing the capabilities of robots through improving perception, motion, and interaction with humans. Zhang’s research also explored emotional expression in robots, contributing to Apple’s long-term vision for intelligent machines that can seamlessly integrate with everyday life.
Graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Zhejiang University and earning a doctorate from Purdue University, Jian Zhang brought deep academic expertise to Apple’s AI and robotics teams. Prior to joining Apple, he contributed to academia as a faculty member at Purdue, and since moving to the corporate world, he helped establish Apple as a serious contender in robotics research.
At Meta, Zhang will assume the role of chief director of robotics technology, leading efforts within the company’s Robotics Studio. This studio operates under Meta Reality Labs, a division dedicated to developing immersive technologies and AI-driven hardware innovations. Meta’s increasing investment in robotics reflects its ambition to create next-generation intelligent machines that enhance human-computer interaction in augmented and virtual environments.
Zhang’s departure is part of a broader wave of transitions among Apple’s AI research staff. Over recent weeks, Apple has seen the exit of approximately ten prominent AI specialists, including several core members of its foundation models team. Some of these researchers have moved to other leading AI companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic. These developments come amid questions about Apple’s AI strategy and the reception of its own AI products.
The talent migration underscores intense competition in the AI sector, where firms like Meta, OpenAI, and Anthropic offer attractive packages and prominent research opportunities. Meta, in particular, has been aggressive in recruiting top experts, aiming to strengthen its position in robotics and AI.
In contrast, Apple is reported to be reconsidering its approach to AI, including a possible shift towards integrating more third-party AI models instead of relying solely on in-house developments. This strategy adjustment, along with internal challenges, may have contributed to the departures and uncertainty within Apple’s AI and robotics teams.
The exit of Jian Zhang to Meta highlights the growing importance of robotics in today’s technological ecosystem. Robotics research has become a critical pillar in building more sophisticated AI systems that can operate in real-world environments. Both Apple and Meta are focused on innovations that blend robotics, AI, and immersive technologies, but Zhang’s move could accelerate Meta’s advancements in this domain.
Meta’s Reality Labs Robotics Studio focuses on developing hardware and operating systems for humanoid robots, smart glasses, and AI-driven applications designed to redefine user interaction. As chief director, Jian Zhang will oversee initiatives that explore how robots can understand and respond to human behaviors more naturally, bridging the gap between AI research and real-world application.
For Apple, Zhang’s departure might signal a period of transition and recalibration. While the company continues to invest in AI and robotics, it faces challenges in retaining talent and delivering breakthrough innovations in a fast-moving industry. Industry watchers will be watching closely how Apple responds and what steps it takes to maintain competitiveness in AI and robotics.
Jian Zhang’s career trajectory—from academia to a decade at Apple, and now to a leadership role at Meta—reflects the dynamic nature of the AI field. His move is a testament to both the growing demand for expert knowledge in robotics and the competitive environment in which tech giants are engaged.
In closing, Jian Zhang’s joining of Meta Robotics Studio signifies a significant moment in the AI and robotics sectors. It spotlights the critical role of top-tier talent in shaping the future of intelligent machines and highlights the ongoing talent battles shaping Silicon Valley and beyond.
About Jian Zhang
Jian Zhang holds a Ph.D. in Robotics and AI from Purdue University and a bachelor’s degree from Zhejiang University. With extensive experience in robot perception, motion planning, and human-robot interaction, Zhang has been at the forefront of robotics research for over a decade.
About Meta Robotics Studio
Meta Robotics Studio works within Meta Reality Labs to create advanced robotics solutions integrated with AI and immersive technology. The studio is dedicated to building intelligent machines that enhance how humans engage with digital and physical environments.
About Apple AI and Robotics Research
Apple’s AI and robotics research focuses on infusing intelligence into devices and systems, working towards innovations that enhance user experience and advance robotics capabilities for future products.
This press release has been crafted freshly to avoid copyright concerns and to provide a comprehensive overview of the news about Jian Zhang’s move from Apple to Meta as of early September 2025.
Competitive offers likely persuaded Jian Zhang to join Meta
Jian Zhang was likely persuaded to join Meta by a combination of highly competitive offers and strategic opportunities that Meta has been aggressively providing to attract top AI and robotics talent. Key factors include:
- Lucrative Compensation Packages: Meta, under CEO Mark Zuckerberg, has been known to offer very attractive multi-year packages reportedly worth tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars to leading researchers. For example, another top Apple AI researcher reportedly received a package worth $200 million to join Meta recently. Such financial incentives are a major draw for elite AI talent like Zhang.
- Strategic Leadership Role: At Meta, Zhang was offered the position of Chief Director of Robotics Technology at Meta’s Robotics Studio within Reality Labs. This leadership role likely comes with considerable influence over product and research directions, enabling Zhang to shape next-generation robotics and AI hardware innovations on a large scale.
- Focus on Robotics and AI Investment: Meta is heavily investing in robotics, smart glasses, humanoid robot hardware, and developing their own operating systems for these devices. This aggressive focus aligns well with Jian Zhang’s expertise and likely provides him exciting opportunities to build advanced AI-driven robotic products.
- Innovative and High-Impact Work Environment: Meta’s Reality Labs is positioned as a cutting-edge group dedicated to immersive and AI-powered technologies. Joining such a forward-looking organization allows Zhang to work on transformational projects with the potential for widespread impact.
- Growing Morale and Uncertainty at Apple: Zhang’s move coincides with broader reports of morale issues and strategic shifts at Apple, including uncertainty about AI development, possible reliance on third-party AI models, and a series of high-profile departures. Compared to Apple’s more cautious AI approach, Meta offers a more aggressive vision that may appeal to ambitious researchers.
