While initially met with skepticism, Tesla’s Optimus robot has made significant strides with the unveiling of its second generation, the Tesla Optimus Gen 2. This new model boasts several improvements, showcasing Tesla’s commitment to developing a truly versatile and powerful humanoid robot.
See the Tesla Optimus Twitter/X account’s introduction video to their new robot below.
There’s a new bot in town 🤖
Check this out (until the very end)!https://t.co/duFdhwNe3K pic.twitter.com/8pbhwW0WNc
— Tesla Optimus (@Tesla_Optimus) December 13, 2023
What sets Tesla Optimus Gen 2 apart?
Tesla’s latest creation, the Optimus Gen 2, represents a substantial advancement in humanoid robotics. This new model boasts several exciting features, showcasing Tesla’s dedication to developing a truly versatile and powerful robot.
The Optimus Gen 2 can walk 30% faster than its predecessor, indicating improved leg strength and coordination. This increased mobility allows the robot to move more efficiently and quickly, making it better suited for a wider range of tasks.
The Tesla Optimus Gen 2 has also been designed to be more lightweight, with a reduction in weight of 10kg. This makes the robot more agile and energy-efficient, allowing it to perform tasks for longer periods without needing to recharge.
Custom actuators and sensors, designed by Tesla, ensure optimal performance and control. These components allow the robot to perform tasks with greater precision and accuracy, making it more effective in a variety of settings.
Advanced tactile sensing
The fingers of the Tesla Optimus Gen 2 are equipped with tactile sensors, allowing for precise object manipulation. This feature enables the robot to perform tasks that require a high level of dexterity, such as assembling parts or handling delicate objects.
Enhanced mobility
The Optimus Gen 2 features a two-axis neck, allowing for greater flexibility and a more human-like range of motion. Its integrated electronics and wiring make it look more streamlined and aerodynamic, while its articulated foot sections and force/torque sensors enable it to move more smoothly and balance better.
Can it stand its ground against Atlas?
While the Optimus Gen 2 represents a significant step forward in humanoid robotics, it still lags behind Boston Dynamics’ extraordinary Atlas robot. However, Tesla’s pace of development is much faster, and the company is rapidly closing the gap.
Despite the impressive hardware advancements, the ultimate goal for humanoid robot makers is to prove that their robots can perform real work in the real world in a repeatable, reliable, and flexible way.
Tesla is one of the companies closest to achieving this goal, with plans to start using the robot in its own manufacturing operations soon. Once its usefulness has been proven, Tesla plans to start selling the robot.
Tesla believes that its expertise in artificial intelligence, gained from its self-driving car program, and its knowledge of batteries and electric motors, will be instrumental in making the Optimus Gen 2 a success.
By combining these technologies, Tesla aims to create a robot that can perform a variety of tasks with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
How much is Tesla Optimus Gen 2 robot?
Unfortunately, Tesla hasn’t officially announced the price of Tesla Optimus Gen 2 yet. However, based on the previous prototype’s estimated cost of $20,000-$30,000 and the significant advancements in Tesla Optimus Gen 2, we can expect a price range of $25,000 – $50,000 USD.
There are several factors that could influence the final price:
- Material and component costs: As the robot uses custom-designed components, their production cost will significantly impact the overall price
- Manufacturing scale: If Tesla can streamline the production process, it could potentially reduce the cost per unit
- Target market: If the initial target market is industrial and commercial, the price may be higher than if it’s aimed at consumers
- Technological advancements: Further improvements in AI, battery technology, and other areas could impact the cost of production
Remember that these are just estimates, and the actual price of Optimus Gen 2 could be higher or lower depending on the factors mentioned above.
Featured image credit: Tesla.
