Today, we are opening a new $16 million (£12 million) audio research lab in Cambridge, located within the UK government’s Ox-Cam corridor. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to advancing audio technologies for Meta’s future AR and AI glasses, including Ray-Ban Meta and the newly announced Oakley Meta.
Innovative Acoustic Environments
The Cambridge audio lab is designed to replicate everyday acoustic environments with extreme precision. Key features include:
- Ultra-quiet acoustic testing spaces: Anechoic and semi-anechoic chambers, including one large enough to house a family-sized car.
- One of the world’s largest configurable reverberation rooms: 101 individually adjustable acoustic panels simulate environments ranging from a phone box to a cathedral.
- Realistic, instrumented home environments: Kitchens, living rooms, and other spaces fitted with sensors to test wearable devices under everyday conditions.
- Motion tracking zones: 3,600 sq ft of space for AI to learn how users move and interact in real time using optical tracking with sub-millimetre accuracy.
Designing Sound That Adapts
Meta is committed to building the next computing platform that enhances presence and connectivity. The new audio lab focuses on developing intelligent audio that adapts to users and their surroundings. This technology aims to transform everyday experiences, such as improving conversations on noisy public transport or enhancing podcast listening in busy city streets.
Using advanced machine learning, Meta’s teams are training glasses to detect user focus and enhance the sounds you want to hear while reducing background noise.
Deepening Commitment to UK Innovation
Situated in the heart of the UK’s Ox-Cam corridor, the facility strengthens the UK’s position as a global hub for technological innovation. As Meta’s largest engineering base outside the US, the UK hosts over 5,500 employees. The audio lab reinforces Meta’s long-term presence in the region and supports the UK’s ambition to lead in AI and immersive computing development.
With a $16 million (£12 million) investment, the Cambridge audio facility underscores Meta’s commitment to UK innovation and the advancement of sound-enhanced AI experiences, making them more natural, immersive, and inclusive.
“Creating this world class audio lab in Cambridge is a sign of our long-term commitment to the UK and our belief in the top engineering talent it produces. We want the brightest minds to make sure our smart glasses have the smartest AI-powered audio so you can focus on what you’re listening to no matter what’s going on around you. I can’t wait to experience the results of the work the lab produces.” – Joel Kaplan, Chief Global Affairs Officer – Meta
“Meta’s investment is a huge vote of confidence in the UK as a hub for world-leading research and innovation while helping to supercharge the potential in the Oxford to Cambridge growth corridor. We want our high-tech industries to continue to lead the world in years to come which is why we’re backing our innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs with a record £22bn R&D funding, creating the opportunity for good jobs and investment in Britain, and delivering on our Plan for Change.” – Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves
