Elon musk’s tech company Tesla unveiled Optimus Gen 2, which is the updated version of their previous AI Robot Optimus. This new version looks more refined and sleeker than the previous version and supports a whole range of upgrades over its predecessor. It was revealed in a video by Elon Musk where it can be seen performing complex motor functions such and dancing and squats. This new model also features well-defined hands and feet, with self-calibration that allows it adjust its balance.
The previous version of Optimus was revealed in 2022, at Tesla's AI day event. The exhibition was less than impressive as the robot struggled to even walk and wave at the audience. This makes the actions that Gen-2 was able to perform even more impressive. Tesla CEO Elon Musk reveled that it intends to put Optimus model in their own factory working on the production line. Musk also believes it to be capable of other repetitive tasks such as cashiers at supermarkets or factory line workers.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk claims that Gen 2 is 10 kg lighter than the previous model and boasts a 30% increase in its movement speed. In a video shared by Elon Musk on X, the robot can be seen walking in an almost human-like way. In the same video, it could be seen dexterously picking up a few eggs and moving while holding them in hand. AI powered robot has come a long way since being introduced at Tesla’s AI Day event, and the video successfully showcased that.
The idea of an AI robot to replace the human workface has been ridiculed by a majority of the population. When tesla unveiled plans for Optimus, barely anyone outside of the Tesla's dedicated fanbase took the idea seriously. Tesla aims to lend credibility to their idea by implementing the robot in their own facilities. Musk even confidently states the program will account for a majority of Tesla’s long term value.