Tesla's humanoid robots have gained new abilities.
On December 13th, Tesla CEO Elon Musk showcased the latest video of the humanoid robot Optimus on social media platform X. The Optimus second-generation robot (Gen 2), which will be released in December, has a 30% increase in walking speed and improved balance and body control abilities.
The video is about 1 minute and 40 seconds long, revealing many key information about the new generation Optimus. The video shows that Optimus can walk and move within Tesla's factory, as well as perform deep squats in the gym.
The second generation Optimus is a major upgrade since the launch of the first generation product, with a more streamlined body, a weight reduction of 10 kilograms, and the use of a biomimetic foot with enhanced joint function - this design is not only for aesthetics, but also can increase the robot's walking speed by 30%, which is a significant upgrade compared to the previous generation's exploratory walking ability.
The robot's hands have also undergone iterations, with 11 additional parts added to the joints, making the robot's movements more stable and flexible. All fingers have tactile sensing and can complete the action of taking an egg with one hand and then switching to the other hand to put the egg into a container.
Optimus robots cannot be considered a perfect product at present. Previously, Musk estimated that it would take another 3-5 years to deliver, with production expected to reach millions and a price of less than $20000. Tesla stated that the second-generation Optimus will be first applied to its manufacturing plants, and once its practicality is verified, the company will begin selling the robot.
In addition to its automotive business, Tesla has been trying to apply its accumulated new energy, artificial intelligence and other technologies to multiple fields. In September 2022, Tesla released the humanoid robot prototype Optimus on its AI Day. At that time, Tesla advertised that Optimus could move a box from one area to another, water plants, and even work in a factory. Musk also said, "This will be a fundamental transformation of civilization as we know it. Optimus has the potential to improve economic output by 'two orders of magnitude'."
Musk has repeatedly mentioned the potential applications of Optimus, stating that humanoid robots can replace humans in many tedious and dangerous tasks. In daily life, people may also hope to receive help from humanoid robots. He also complained that the demand for humanoid robots would be much greater than cars, and the potential of Tesla's business was underestimated.