Optimus: Tesla's Autonomous Bipedal Humanoid Robot

Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus, also known as the Tesla Bot, is designed to perform tasks that are repetitive, dangerous, or undesirable for humans. Optimus was first announced at Tesla's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Day event in August 2021 and has since undergone significant development and iteration.

One version of Optimus is approximately 173 centimeters in height, 57 kilograms(kg) in weight; can carry up to 20 kg of payload, and is capable of lifting up to 68 kg off the ground. Constructed from lightweight materials to ensure durability and strength, it is designed to mimic human proportions and movement, allowing it to interact easily in human environments.

One version of Optimus is equipped with 40 electromechanical actuators, including 12 in each arm, 12 in the hands, and 12 across the legs and neck, providing a high degree of movement. And it features improved hands with 22 degrees of freedom, enabling precise manipulation tasks like picking up delicate objects (e.g., an egg) or potentially playing instruments.

The robot is powered by a 2.3 kWh battery pack, similar to Tesla's electric vehicles, allowing for extended operation on a single charge. And includes Tesla's proprietary battery management system (BMS) to optimize power distribution and extend battery life. It can last approximately 100W idle and 500W while walking.

Optimus can move at a maximum speed of about 8 kilometer per hour(km/h). It utilizes Tesla's artificial intelligence(AI), the Full Self-Driving (FSD) software for environmental awareness and decision-making, adapted for three-dimensional, human-scale environments.

The robot is equipped with a camera system similar to Tesla's Autopilot, including several cameras in its "face" (head) for detecting objects, gauging depth, and processing spatial information. And it features an interactive screen on the chest for communication and information display, potentially replacing verbal communication.

Optimus is designed with a bipedal walking system that maintains balance and stability while moving, thanks to Tesla's machine learning algorithms. It can walk, climb stairs, lift and carry objects, and manipulate items autonomously

The robot is envisioned to perform a variety of tasks in manufacturing, logistics, hazardous material handling, and even domestic chores and companionship.

Latest version of Optimus can autonomously navigate complex environments, including Tesla’s offices and factories, using neural networks to control its electric limbs. It can walk on highly variable terrain and recover from slips without vision-based assistance.

Recent videos released by Tesla, show Optimus sorting colored blocks, handling battery cells, and performing assembly tasks in the company's factories. Two Optimus bots are deployed autonomously in factory settings, picking up delicate objects like an egg and performing fine motor tasks like sorting. Another video shows the robot walking, climbing stairs, squatting, and dancing, showcasing improved balance and fluidity.

While earlier demonstrations (e.g., Tesla’s “We, Robot” event in October 2024) relied on teleoperation for complex interactions like bartending or playing games, recent updates show Optimus performing tasks autonomously, such as navigating obstacles and handling objects without human control.

The robot’s neural network allows it to learn from interactions, adapt to new environments, and improve performance over time. It can potentially learn tasks by observing humans, leveraging Tesla’s AI training data from its vehicles.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that limited production of Optimus would begin in 2025, with plans for over 1,000 units to be used in Tesla facilities and potential production for other companies starting in 2026. They are projected to be available for purchase at around $30,000 each.

Optimus represents a significant step towards integrating advanced robotics and AI into various aspects of human life, aiming to enhance productivity and safety in both industrial and domestic settings.