NEWS  AI  December 13, 2023  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Tesla's journey into the realm of humanoid robots has been met with skepticism since the unveiling of the Optimus, at Tesla AI Day last year. Initially dismissed as a half-baked idea, the early prototype struggled with basic movements and failed to impress during its demonstration. However, recent updates indicate that Tesla's Optimus project is gaining credibility. At the 2023 shareholders meeting, the company showcased more advanced prototypes capable of performing useful tasks. September brought another update, revealing that Optimus was being trained with neural nets, demonstrating improved capabilities like autonomous object sorting.

The latest announcement introduces the Optimus Gen 2, a significant evolution of the humanoid robot prototype. Equipped with Tesla-designed actuators and sensors, this version boasts a 30% increase in walking speed and a notable 10 kg weight reduction, enhancing balance.

 TESLA OPTIMUS GEN 2 INTRODUCTORY VIDEO 

A crucial aspect of any humanoid robot is its hands, and Tesla addresses this challenge with brand-new, upgraded hands designed to balance strength and precision. In a video demonstration, Optimus Gen 2 showcases its capabilities by performing a squat while maintaining balance.

Tesla asserts that it plans to integrate the robot into its manufacturing operations, testing its practical utility before offering it for sale. Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, has expressed confidence in Optimus, predicting demand ranging from 10 to 20 billion units and suggesting it could contribute significantly to Tesla's long-term value.

While the progress on the robotic front is evident, skepticism lingers regarding the AI component. Musk's ambitious vision ties Optimus's success to the development of Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta. The concern arises from the current status of FSD Beta, which is yet to be perfected.

 OPTIMUS GEN 2 NEW ACQUIRED ABILITY TO MANIPULATE DELICATE OBJECTS 

Acknowledging the challenges associated with building a humanoid robot, the success of Optimus hinges on the seamless integration of a robust AI system. As Tesla continues to make strides in the robotic domain, the spotlight remains on the parallel advancements required in FSD technology, emphasizing the need for a fully operational FSD system as a precursor to Optimus's widespread functionality.

In conclusion, Tesla's Optimus Gen 2 marks a promising step forward in humanoid robotics, showcasing tangible improvements in speed, weight, and functionality. As Tesla addresses challenges and refines its AI capabilities, the future adoption of Optimus as a versatile and efficient humanoid robot awaits the successful maturation of the Full Self-Driving system.

 MEDIA CREDITS: TESLA