Impressive: Tesla Announces New Android - Optimus - Will You Be Getting One?

Elon Musk's humanoid robot, Optimus, has undergone a significant metamorphosis, shedding its early prototype stumbles for a refined and agile form. The newly unveiled Optimus Gen 2 marks a leap forward in both capability and sophistication, hinting at a future where robots transcend the factory floor and potentially integrate into our daily lives.

Elon Musk has posted a new video on Twitter, showcasing the latest version of Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus. The video reveals that Optimus – Gen 2 has undergone significant upgrades since its previous iteration, which was unveiled in May this year.

Gone are the clunky, industrial aesthetics of earlier iterations. Optimus Gen 2 boasts a streamlined physique, 22 pounds lighter, and sporting human-inspired feet with enhanced articulation. This sleeker design isn't merely cosmetic; it translates to a 30% increase in walking speed, a marked improvement over its predecessor's tentative steps.

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The video also features a humorous segment where Optimus mimics Musk’s dancing skills, which he often displays at Tesla’s launch events. The robot’s moves are still stiff, but they might get smoother with further development.

Musk first announced Optimus in 2021, saying the robot’s goal is to “eliminate dangerous, repetitive, boring tasks.” Tesla showed a prototype of Optimus in September 2022 and then revealed a major update in May 2023.

The new video demonstrates that Optimus has enhanced its balance and body control and can move more naturally and gracefully.

Perhaps the most impressive advancement lies in its dexterous "brand new hands." Whereas the Gen 1 prototype struggled with even basic manipulation, Optimus Gen 2 handles delicate objects with surprising finesse. The video showcasing its gentle handling of an egg serves as a testament to its improved dexterity, paving the way for broader applications in the future.

Musk has high hopes for Optimus and believes it will surpass Tesla’s car business and fully self-driving technology in value.

“Those who are insightful or who listen carefully will understand that Optimus ultimately will be worth more than the car business and worth more than full self-driving. That’s my firm belief,” Musk said at the robot’s debut.

Musk also envisions that Optimus will be able to perform various tasks for its human owners, such as running errands, fetching groceries, or even playing games.

Tesla’s Optimus robot is still in the works, but it is already generating much interest and excitement among fans and critics alike.

https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/teslas-optimus-robot-gets-faster-lighter-and-more-dextrous-in-new-video