Today, Meta has inaugurated a new $16 million (£12 million) audio research lab in Cambridge, part of the UK government's Ox-Cam corridor. The facility is designed to advance audio technologies for future AR and AI glasses, including Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta.
The Cambridge lab replicates everyday acoustic environments with precision. It features ultra-quiet testing spaces such as anechoic chambers, a large configurable reverberation room with 101 adjustable panels, realistic home environments fitted with sensors, and motion tracking zones spanning 3,600 sq ft.
Meta aims to develop intelligent audio that adapts to users and their surroundings. This technology seeks to enhance everyday experiences by improving conversations in noisy environments or enhancing podcast listening in busy streets. Advanced machine learning is used to train glasses to detect user focus and reduce background noise.
Located in the UK's Ox-Cam corridor, the facility strengthens the region's position as a global hub for technological innovation. With over 5,500 employees in the UK, this investment underscores Meta’s commitment to UK innovation and sound-enhanced AI experiences.
“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 forworld-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