Tesla release video of new Optimus Gen 2 robot in action

Demonstrated at Tesla's Palo Alto headquarters, the video showed Optimus Gen 2 illustrating advanced tactile sensing, allowing it to handle delicate objects like eggs with precision. Its hands reportedly have 11 more degrees of freedom with ‘Tesla-designed actuators and sensors’, which allow the bot to be more delicate and gentle when picking up items.

The first version of Optimus was introduced last year and was marked by its ability to perform simple tasks and human-like movements. This new version represents a significant upgrade, enhancing both the physical design and functional capabilities.

The potential applications of Optimus span various sectors, from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and domestic assistance, illustrate Tesla’s pursuit to be a player in the robotics industry as well as the EV. Musk boasted that Optimus will add long-term value to the Tesla brand at Tesla’s 2023 shareholders meeting in May, saying it should be able to run on the same software and computer used in Tesla EV’s advanced driver assistance systems.

The Optimus project, originally called Tesla Bot, was announced at AI Day in August 2021. Then in 2022, the prototype Gen 1 robot was revealed. Gen 2's advancements highlight Tesla's ambition to enhance functional capabilities and design efficiency in robotics. When Musk unveiled the Optimus prototype at Tesla’s 2022 AI Day presentation last year, he said his goal is to create ‘a functional humanoid robot as quickly as possible.’ However, the feasibility of mass-producing these robots, in addition to Tesla's past challenges in delivering on promises, means the date for such a rollout remains tentative.

Much like with Boston Dynamics’ robotic creations, the Optimus Gen 2's development raises questions about the future of labour and the role of robotics in society. The Tesla CEO believes that tasks traditionally requiring human intervention could soon be within the realm of automated solutions.

Musk previously claimed that Optimus would be available for the general public by 2027 at the shareholders meeting and claimed it will ‘cost much less than a car ($20,000).

Optimus Gen 2’s introduction comes amid a mass recall of from the EV company.  Tesla recalled more than two million cars on Tuesday for driver assistance system software defects.