Optimus (robot)

Technology

A specific humanoid robot model used as an example of technology that is expected to automate factory work and cause job displacement.


entitydetail.created_at

7/19/2025, 8:28:56 AM

entitydetail.last_updated

7/26/2025, 6:57:32 AM

entitydetail.research_retrieved

7/22/2025, 5:18:25 AM

Summary

Optimus, also known as the Tesla Bot, is a general-purpose humanoid robot currently under development by Tesla, Inc. It was first announced at Tesla's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Day event on August 19, 2021, with a prototype showcased in 2022. Tesla CEO Elon Musk believes Optimus has the potential to eventually surpass the significance of Tesla's vehicle business. The robot is designed to handle dangerous, repetitive, and boring tasks, leveraging an AI system derived from Tesla's advanced driver-assistance systems and powered by the same batteries and actuators as Tesla's electric vehicles. Optimus exemplifies Tesla's strategy of deep vertical integration in AI, a similar approach noted in Google's development of its Gemini models. This focus positions Tesla as a leader in the humanoid robot market, a segment where other major tech companies like Apple are criticized for their lack of focus. Media and expert reactions to corporate demonstrations of Optimus have been varied, though it has received praise from figures like Chamath Palihapitiya following visits to Tesla facilities.

Research Data
Extracted Attributes
  • Type

    General-purpose humanoid robot

  • Height

    5 ft 8 in (173 cm)

  • Weight

    125 lb (57 kg)

  • Developer

    Tesla, Inc.

  • Reception

    Varied from media and experts

  • CEO's Vision

    Potential to be more significant than Tesla's vehicle business

  • Power Source

    Batteries and actuators used in Tesla's electric vehicles

  • Alternate Name

    Tesla Bot

  • Control System

    AI system developed for Tesla's advanced driver-assistance systems (FSD computer adapted for bipedal navigation)

  • Carrying Capacity

    45 lb (20 kg)

  • Envisioned Purpose

    Perform dangerous, repetitive, and boring tasks; manufacturing assistance, logistical support, handling hazardous materials, household chores, companion robot

  • Development Strategy

    Vertical Integration in AI

Timeline
  • Optimus (Tesla Bot) announced at Tesla's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Day event. (Source: Wikipedia, DBPedia, Web Search)

    2021-08-19

Optimus (robot)

Optimus, also known as Tesla Bot, is a general-purpose robotic humanoid under development by Tesla, Inc. It was announced at the company's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Day event on August 19, 2021, and a prototype was shown in 2022. CEO Elon Musk stated in 2022 that he thinks Optimus "has the potential to be more significant than [Tesla's] vehicle business over time." Media and expert opinions based on corporate showcases have been mixed.

Web Search Results
  • Optimus (robot) - Wikipedia

    Optimus, also known as Tesla Bot, is a general-purpose robotic humanoid under development by Tesla, Inc. It was announced at the company's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Day event on August 19, 2021, and a prototype was shown in 2022. CEO Elon Musk stated in 2022 that he thinks Optimus "has the potential to be more significant than [Tesla's] vehicle business over time." Media and expert opinions based on corporate showcases have been mixed. ## History [...] Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia ## Contents # Optimus (robot) Optimus | | | | --- | --- | | | | | Manufacturer | Tesla, Inc. | | Year of creation | 2022; 3 years ago (2022) | | Type | Humanoid | | Purpose | General-purpose | [...] Optimus is planned to measure 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) tall and weigh 125 lb (57 kg). According to the presentation made during the 2021 AI Day event, Optimus will be "controlled by the same AI system Tesla is developing for the advanced driver-assistance system used in its cars" and have a carrying capacity of 45 lb (20 kg). Proposed tasks for Optimus are ones that are "dangerous, repetitive and boring", such as providing manufacturing assistance.

  • Tesla's Robot, Optimus: Everything We Know | Built In

    Known as Optimus, the Tesla robot is a humanoid robot designed by Tesla. The company’s CEO Elon Musk introduced the concept in 2021, and the first prototype was unveiled at the company’s 2022 AI Day. Musk hopes to one day produce the robot on a mass scale. There’s still much speculation surrounding the exact details of this humanoid robot, but Musk and his team have dropped plenty of clues about when Optimus could become available and what roles it could play in the years ahead. [...] Optimus is a humanoid robot built by Tesla and designed to interact with its surroundings using two arms, hands and legs. Here’s what it can do, what it could be used for, how it works and when it may become more widely available. Image 4: Jacob Biba Written by Jacob Biba Image 5: A headshot of the Tesla Robot Optimus. Image: Tesla / Shutterstock / Built In UPDATED BY Matthew Urwin | Dec 12, 2024 [...] What Is the Tesla Robot? ------------------------ The Tesla Optimus robot is a humanoid robot that can walk on two legs and engage with the physical world with a pair of arms and hands. Tesla has compared Optimus to the company’s cars, saying the company has simply transitioned from making robots on wheels to robots with legs. It’s no surprise, then, that Optimus adopts much of the technology seen in Tesla vehicles, including an AI system to understand and map out its surroundings.

  • Tesla Optimus Specifications - QVIRO

    Tesla Optimus, unveiled by Tesla Inc., is a humanoid robot designed to handle mundane, repetitive, or dangerous tasks. It stands approximately 1.73 meters tall and weighs about 57 kilograms. The robot is constructed from lightweight materials and is powered by the same type of batteries and actuators that are used in Tesla's electric vehicles. [...] Optimus features autonomous capabilities using a version of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) computer, adapted for bipedal navigation. This system allows the robot to navigate complex environments and interact with objects in human-like manners. It is equipped with sensors and cameras integrated throughout its body, providing essential spatial awareness and object recognition needed for safe and efficient task execution. [...] The envisioned applications for Tesla Optimus include roles in manufacturing for performing repetitive tasks, logistical support, and handling hazardous materials. Tesla also suggests potential domestic uses for Optimus, such as assisting with household chores and acting as a companion robot. These diverse applications illustrate the robot's potential to become integrated into various work and home environments, supporting Tesla’s goal to advance AI and automation technologies.

  • What is the Tesla robot? What we know about Optimus (so far)

    The Optimus robot isn’t another garden-variety humanoid bot — it’s a radical leap forward. Tesla Optimus was first announced in August 2021 during Tesla's AI Day, with a prototype unveiled in the fall of 2022. Its mission? To take on repetitive, unsafe, or just plain dull tasks so humans can focus on more meaningful activities. Think factory work, home chores, or carrying heavy boxes — all without complaints, time off, or a sudden work-stopping ouchie. [...] You’ve probably heard about Optimus, the Tesla robot, walking around the stage or hobnobbing with Kim Kardashian in a recent promo. What’s the big deal? This robot is Elon Musk’s next big idea — a futuristic humanoid bot that promises to handle boring, repetitive, or dangerous tasks in industrial and household settings. Read on to learn more: Let’s dig in. ‍ ## What is the Tesla robot? [...] What’s the big deal? This robot is Elon Musk’s next big idea — a futuristic humanoid bot that promises to handle boring, repetitive, or dangerous tasks in industrial and household settings. Read on to learn more: Let’s dig in. ‍ ## What is the Tesla robot? The Optimus robot isn’t another garden-variety humanoid bot — it’s a radical leap forward.Â

  • Elon Musk's Tesla Optimus humanoid robot serving popcorn goes viral

    ##### About the Author [...] TOI logo ## TOI # Elon Musk’s Tesla Optimus humanoid robot serving popcorn goes viral; says, ‘This will become normal in a few years’ Elon Musk’s Tesla Optimus humanoid robot serving popcorn goes viral; says, ‘This will become normal in a few years’ ## Elon Musk unveils Optimus robot serving popcorn at Tesla Diner ## Optimus may become common in homes, says Musk ## Popcorn Demo reveals challenges in humanoid robot autonomy ### Humanoid robot Optimus future upgrades author [...] Facebook and more; TOI Tech Desk brings the news with accuracy and authenticity.Read More

Optimus, also known as Tesla Bot, is a conceptual general-purpose robotic humanoid under development by Tesla, Inc. It was announced at the company's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Day event on August 19, 2021. CEO Elon Musk claimed during the event that Tesla would likely build a prototype by 2022. Musk is on record having said that he thinks Optimus "has the potential to be more significant than the vehicle business over time."