Walking on its own outside is a new milestone for Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot. Though it also raises analogies to past developments in the field, especially those by Boston Dynamics, this development represents a step forward in the company’s ambitious attempt to transform humanoid robotics.
The video showcases Optimus navigating a mulched surface without visual input, relying solely on onboard sensors and neural networks. Tesla’s Head of Optimus, Milan Kovac, highlighted this achievement, noting that even he has struggled with footing on similar terrain. Yet, Optimus maintained balance, demonstrating the rapid strides Tesla has made in its robot’s mobility.
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has positioned Optimus as a transformative opportunity, projecting production in the tens of millions annually. With a target price of $25,000 to $30,000, Tesla could begin selling these robots as early as next year. However, skepticism remains. Critics point to Tesla’s lack of transparency during its recent “We, Robot” event, where robots were remotely operated, casting doubt on the maturity of the technology.
Boston Dynamics, a pioneer in humanoid robotics, posted similar videos of autonomous robots years ago. While Tesla benefits from advancements in technology and its expertise in scalable manufacturing, critics argue that much of what Optimus is achieving has been done before. The true test lies not in flashy demonstrations but in delivering a commercially viable product.
What sets Tesla apart is its clear commercial focus. Unlike Boston Dynamics, whose robots often served as proofs of concept, Tesla aims for mass production. By leveraging its existing scale in batteries and inference computing, the company could potentially overcome current technological gaps.
Whether Optimus becomes a game-changer remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: Tesla’s vision for a mass-producible humanoid robot could reshape the industry, even if it isn’t the first to tackle the challenge.