Tesla could sell Optimus robots by next year: Elon Musk
Tesla, the electric vehicle giant, is currently developing a humanoid robot named Optimus. According to CEO Elon Musk, this advanced piece of technology could be ready for purchase as early as the end of next year. This development comes amidst a growing trend where companies are investing in humanoid robots to address potential labor shortages and automate repetitive tasks across various sectors.
Musk's statement on Tesla robot's production
In a recent investor conference call, Musk indicated that the Tesla robot might be operational in factory settings by the end of this year. He said, "I think Tesla is best positioned of any humanoid robot maker to be able to reach volume production with efficient inference on the robot itself." This statement refers to the artificial intelligence capabilities of Optimus, which are expected to streamline operations and increase efficiency.
Several companies have been working on humanoid robots
The pursuit of humanoid robots is not a new concept and has been explored by several companies worldwide. Notable players include Japan's Honda, Hyundai Motor's Boston Dynamics, and a Figure, a start-up backed by Microsoft and NVIDIA. Figure has already signed a partnership with BMW to deploy humanoid robots in the German car maker's facility in the US.
Tesla's first-generation robot was launched in September 2022
Tesla launched its first-generation Optimus robot, named Bumblebee, in September 2022. The company also released a video this year demonstrating a second-generation bipedal robot folding a T-shirt at their facility. Other companies are also making strides in this field. Figure released a video in February showing its 01 robot making coffee, while Boston Dynamics recently showcased an electric platform for its Atlas humanoid robot.
