Optimus (also known as Tesla Bot) is a general-purpose humanoid robot under development by Tesla, Inc. It was first announced during Tesla’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Day event on August 19, 2021, with a prototype revealed in 2022. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has stated that Optimus has the potential to become more significant than the company’s vehicle business over time. Reactions to its development have been mixed, with both enthusiasm and skepticism from experts and media.
History
Optimus was first displayed at Tesla’s Cyber Rodeo event in April 2022 at the Giga Texas facility. Musk expressed hopes for production readiness by 2023, envisioning Optimus as a solution for tasks that humans prefer not to do.
In June 2022, Musk announced a prototype would be unveiled later that year, distinct from the early concept model shown previously. During Tesla’s second AI Day in September 2022, semi-functional prototypes were demonstrated—one capable of walking and another with articulated arm movements.
In September 2023, Tesla released a video showcasing Optimus performing tasks such as sorting colored blocks, recognizing its limbs in space, and demonstrating improved flexibility.
Generation 2
In December 2023, Tesla introduced Optimus Generation 2, featuring a slimmer design, improved hands, and enhanced movement capabilities, including the ability to dance and cook an egg. By May 2024, updates showcased Optimus performing tasks within a Tesla factory. However, critics pointed out that many of these demonstrations relied on teleoperation.
By June 2024, Musk claimed that Optimus would enter limited production in 2025, with over 1,000 units expected to be deployed in Tesla facilities. Plans were also mentioned for broader commercial availability by 2026. At the “We, Robot” event in October 2024, Optimus was demonstrated with interactive features, but concerns remained regarding its reliance on teleoperation. Musk suggested a retail price of approximately $30,000 and envisioned it performing a wide range of everyday tasks.
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) |
| Weight | 57 kg (125 lb) |
| Carrying Capacity | 20 kg (45 lb) |
| Speed | 8 km/h (5 mph) |
| AI System | Based on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology |
| Degrees of Freedom | 11 (hands) |
| Power Source | Integrated battery pack |
| Materials | Lightweight metal and composite materials |
| Intended Tasks | Dangerous, repetitive, and boring tasks (e.g., manufacturing, logistics, household chores) |
| Price Estimate | ~$30,000 |
Reception
Initial Reactions
Following its announcement in 2021, media and industry experts expressed skepticism about Tesla’s ability to deliver on its promises. Some viewed the project as a departure from Tesla’s core focus, while others questioned the feasibility of achieving human-level capabilities within the proposed timeline.
The prototypes presented at the 2022 AI Day event received mixed feedback. While some praised Tesla’s progress, others noted that similar capabilities had already been demonstrated by other robotics programs, and there was little indication that Tesla could surpass competitors.
Expert Opinions
The robotics community has had varied reactions to Optimus. Some experts praised Tesla for pushing humanoid robotics forward, while others criticized the demonstrations as underwhelming. Early showcases were described as overhyped, with concerns about the lack of transparency regarding autonomous capabilities.
Name
Optimus is named after the main character in the Transformers media franchise.
Learn More
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