Tesla humanoid robot Optimus second generation unveiled! It walks faster, weighs lighter, and effortlessly holds eggs.
Tesla has launched the second generation humanoid robot, Optimus Gen2, which is 10 kilograms lighter, 30% faster in walking speed, and significantly improved in flexibility and balance. The robot's hands have been upgraded to move and handle delicate tasks like humans, and can even handle fragile items such as eggs. Optimus Gen2 is expected to accelerate the commercialization process. Tesla predicts that the demand for Optimus robots could reach as high as 10 billion to 20 billion units. The development progress of Tesla's humanoid robot is expected to attract market attention.
On December 13th, Tesla released a new demonstration video of its humanoid robot "Optimus Gen2" on X.
Compared to the previous prototype, Optimus Gen2 seems to have made significant progress in terms of weight and flexibility. Some analysts believe that at the current rate of iteration, Optimus robots may soon be able to replace humans in many fields.
More refined and flexible humanoid robot
Compared to the first-generation Optimus robot, which looked like a semi-finished product and could only walk and wave its hand reluctantly, Optimus Gen2 has a very refined appearance.
Tesla stated that the walking speed of Optimus Gen2 has increased by 30%. Although it still looks a bit unsteady in the video, Tesla's demonstrated stable walking ability may already be useful in commercial scenarios.
In addition, Tesla also mentioned that while improving balance, the weight of Optimus Gen2 has been reduced by 10 kilograms.
In the video demonstration, Optimus Gen2 can be seen maintaining balance while performing squats.
The biggest challenge in manufacturing humanoid robots lies in the hands. The robot's hands need to be strong enough to support considerable weight while also being precise enough to handle delicate tasks.
Optimus Gen2 seems to have undergone a comprehensive upgrade in the hand department. The arms and hands can move like those of a human, with precise movements and even the ability to handle fragile items such as eggs, as shown in the image below:
Accelerated commercialization process
CITIC Securities pointed out that Optimus Gen2 uses a new foot force and torque sensor (the institution speculates that it is a six-dimensional force and torque sensor) as well as a new 11-degree-of-freedom dexterous hand. It has faster response and also has finger tactile sensors. Compared to Gen1, its flexibility has been greatly improved, and the commercialization process is expected to accelerate.
Elon Musk previously stated that the value of Optimus robots is "extremely underestimated" by the market, and he expects demand to reach as high as 10 to 20 billion units.He even confidently predicts that Optimus will occupy "a large part of Tesla's long-term value."
Tesla currently plans to use Optimus robots in its own manufacturing business and then gradually expand into larger markets.
At least from the videos shown so far, Musk's vision is not far-fetched. In the coming years, Optimus may have the ability to jump, climb stairs, and move heavier objects. With the support of more powerful artificial intelligence, Tesla is slowly completing an important piece of the AGI puzzle.