Shenzhen Alu Rapid Prototype Precision Co., Ltd.

Optimus, also known as Tesla Bot, is a humanoid robot being developed by Tesla, Inc. It was first announced by Elon Musk during Tesla's AI Day event on August 19, 2021, with the goal of creating a general-purpose robotic assistant capable of performing tasks that are dangerous, repetitive, or boring for humans. Named after the Transformers character Optimus Prime, the robot is designed to leverage Tesla’s advanced AI systems, similar to those used in its autonomous vehicles, including machine learning for vision, navigation, and object manipulation.

The robot stands approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall, weighs around 125 pounds (57 kg), and is intended to have a carrying capacity of 45 pounds (20 kg). It features human-like hands and limbs, powered by 40 electromechanical actuators, allowing it to walk, climb stairs, lift objects, and perform precise tasks. Optimus uses Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, incorporating neural networks for real-time decision-making and environmental awareness, with a 2.3 kWh battery for extended operation.

Significant milestones include the unveiling of semi-functional prototypes at Tesla’s AI Day in September 2022, where early versions demonstrated walking and basic movements. In December 2023, the Generation 2 (Gen 2) Optimus was introduced, showcasing a slimmer design, improved hands with 11 degrees of freedom, and enhanced capabilities like sorting colored blocks and maintaining yoga poses. By May 2024, videos showed Optimus working autonomously in Tesla factories, handling tasks like navigating obstacles and moving battery cells. In October 2024, at Tesla’s “We, Robot” event, Optimus robots were demonstrated interacting with attendees, serving drinks, and dancing, though some tasks relied on teleoperation rather than full autonomy.

Musk has ambitious plans for Optimus, predicting it could become more significant than Tesla’s vehicle business. He estimates a future price of $20,000–$30,000 per unit at scale, with production goals of 5,000 units in 2025 and potentially 50,000 in 2026. Tesla aims to deploy Optimus in its factories by late 2025, with broader availability possibly in 2026. Beyond industrial use, Musk envisions Optimus assisting with household chores, caregiving, and even accompanying a SpaceX mission to Mars in 2026.

While progress has been rapid, reactions are mixed. Some praise Tesla’s engineering feats, while others note that competitors like Boston Dynamics’ Atlas or Figure Robotics’ Helix have shown similar or more advanced capabilities. Critics also point to Tesla’s reliance on teleoperation in demos and question the timeline for full autonomy. Still, Optimus represents a bold step in integrating AI and robotics into everyday life, with potential applications ranging from manufacturing to personal assistance.