Facebook's head of hardware lab to leave as talk of artificial intelligence chip emerges

The head of Facebook's secretive hardware lab Building 8 has said she is stepping down after eighteen months at the group to focus on a new project.

Regina Dugan, who joined the social media giant from Google in April 2016, said in a post on Facebook that the "timing feels right to step away and be purposeful about what's next, thoughtful about new ways to contribute in times of disruption".

She added that there was a "tidal shift going on in Silicon Valley, and those of us in this industry have greater responsibilities than ever before". 

Reports over the summer suggested Facebook may be working on a modular device, with a patent published in the summer showing the project sprouted up from concerns over consumer electronics being "thrown away and replaced with the latest version of the electronics". 

Some had suggested Ms Dugan's heading of the division was a sign Facebook may be developing its own mobile, given the strength of Google's Android operating system and its recent move into its own mobile phones, having launched the Pixel in 2016.

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Intel on Tuesday announced it was working with Facebook on a semiconductor chip designed for artificial intelligence, with the chip expected to be on the market at some point later this year. 

Facebook had set up the Building 8 lab last year when Ms Dugan joined the group and she since established a team. Her departure follows the group's appointment of Andrew Bosworth as head of its consumer hardware efforts in August.

Ms Dugan said she would remain at the group for the next few months to ensure a smooth transition.