Tesla has revealed an update regarding its humanoid robot initiative, Optimus, through a video that appears almost CGI-generated. Despite skepticism surrounding the project, there are valid grounds for such reservations.
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Visitors watch a Tesla robot displayed at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai on July 6, 2023.
Tesla's Optimus Update
Tesla has introduced an update showcasing advancements in its humanoid robot project, Optimus, accompanied by a video that appears almost CGI-like.
While the project, also referred to as Tesla Bot, hasn't gained widespread credibility, particularly among those outside of dedicated Tesla enthusiasts, Electrek reported that there are valid reasons for this skepticism.
In addition to the latest iterations of Full Self-Driving, Tesla highlights that Optimus is presently undergoing training using end-to-end neural networks. The showcased video demonstrates Tesla's continued advancement in the development of the Tesla Bot.
Notably, this update presents a more polished appearance for the robot, showcasing improved mechanical stability, with a prototype displaying the ability to balance on a single foot.
In a prior Optimus update, Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, emphasized the undervalued nature of the Optimus project, stating that demand could potentially reach a staggering 10 to 20 billion units.
Furthermore, Musk expressed his confidence in predicting that Optimus would ultimately represent the majority of Tesla's long-term value.
While a definitive launch timeline remains uncertain, Tesla's initial implementation of the technology is expected to occur within its own operations.
Introducing at Tesla AI Day
Upon its initial announcement, the concept appeared somewhat underdeveloped, introduced by CEO Elon Musk alongside a dancer masquerading as a robot for illustrative purposes.
Furthermore, the demonstration at Tesla AI Day the previous year left much to be desired. During that period, Tesla possessed an early-stage prototype that hardly resembled a functional humanoid robot.
Its capabilities were limited to basic movements, such as walking and waving to the audience. Nevertheless, it became apparent that the project was gaining credibility following a recent update presented at Tesla's 2023 shareholders meeting.
The company showcased several advanced prototypes, each displaying heightened sophistication and the ability to perform genuinely practical tasks.
Also Read: Tesla AI Day 2022 Unveils Optimus Unit 1 - Humanoid Robots for Mass Production!
From a consumer perspective, The Verge reported that Musk emphasized a significant distinction in Tesla's approach to humanoid robots.
While there have been numerous impressive robot demonstrations in the past, he stressed that Tesla's initiative centers on creating a robot designed for high-volume manufacturing-a departure from many previous one-off projects.
Additionally, Musk underscored Tesla's unique advantage, highlighting the integration of its AI technology, primarily developed for self-driving applications, into the robot's functionality.
This fusion is expected to grant the robot the capability to navigate real-world environments and execute practical tasks effectively.
Continuing his vision, the CEO reiterated the transformative potential of Optimus, envisioning it as a catalyst for profound societal changes. Musk believes that by enhancing economic productivity, the robot has the potential to virtually "end poverty."
Related Article: Elon Musk's Optimus Prediction: Demand for Tesla Bot Could Reach 20 Billion Units!
