Eloisa Musk believes her Tesla robot, named Optimus, could change the world as we know it. She envisions a future where human-like androids like Optimus could outperform people on Earth and possibly Mars. While some worry about the possibility of robots taking over, others see them as a way to help humanity. Let’s dive deeper into what these robots can do, how they’re built, and what their rise means for society.
Robot office limited to science fiction
Just five years ago, a robot like Optimus was only seen in sci-fi movies. Today, it’s a reality. This dramatic shift has left many people excited, confused, or skeptical. One of the most significant demonstrations of Tesla’s robots took place during a company event called “AI Day,” which was initially meant to highlight autonomous vehicles. However, human-like robots ended up stealing the show — for both good and bad reasons.
How robots are controlled
Robots like Optimus can be controlled in three main ways: Teleoperation – A human operator remotely controls the robot using tools such as virtual reality headsets or joysticks. This method is often used for tasks that are too dangerous for humans, such as defusing bombs, feeding wild animals, or handling hazardous waste.
Hard-coding – This traditional method involves programming robots with specific structures for repetitive tasks. It works well in controlled environments, such as factories, but stops working when robots are faced with unexpected situations. For this reason, factory robots are often kept separate from humans to avoid accidents.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) – AI enables robots to learn, adapt, and think independently, making them much more versatile. However, AI is still in development and requires extensive training, where robots observe human actions to learn how to perform tasks. Tesla trains its robots using teleoperation combined with AI, empowering them to eventually operate autonomously.
Training robots: a step towards independence
At Tesla’s AI Day, the public saw Optimus in action. Some robots worked autonomously using AI, while others were controlled remotely. For example, robots pulled socks and gave water to attendants. These tasks, while impressive, revealed that robots are still learning to navigate predictable situations. For example, one robot was strapped into a guest’s bag, highlighting the challenges robots face when interacting with humans who are familiar with their limitations.
Tesla’s training process for Optimus mirrors how the company developed its self-driving cars. Initially, Tesla’s Autopilot required frequent human intervention. Over time, as the AI learned from its experiences, the technology improved. Similarly, Optimus must learn to handle the complexities of real-world interactions to become fully autonomous.
The powers that make it possible
A standout feature of the Tesla robot is its advanced hands. The latest version, the Geп 3 hand, boasts 22 degrees of movement, making it remarkably similar to a human hand. These movements, powered by theopod-like strips attached to small motors, allow the robot to perform delicate tasks, such as picking up small objects or even performing the Vulcan salute.
Tesla’s handles have evolved significantly. Early versions were basic and functional, while newer models combine simplicity with advanced capabilities, proving that sometimes adding complexity can yield greater efficiency.
General Purpose Robots: A Game Chapter
Unlike factory robots designed for specific tasks, Optimus is a general-purpose robot. While specialized robots may be more efficient at individual tasks, Optimus is designed to perform a wide range of activities, from folding laundry to carrying boxes. This versatility makes it a potential solution to labor shortages in industries facing declining worker numbers, such as manufacturing and caregiving.
A vision for the future
Eloп Musk envisions a world in which Tesla’s robots take over repetitive, dangerous, or undesirable jobs, freeing humanity to pursue more creative and fulfilling pursuits. As people live longer and retire from the workforce, robots could help meet the growing demand for services and labor. However, integrating robots into daily life presents challenges. Starting this process now gives society time to adapt.
The road ahead
While Tesla’s robots are far from perfect, their development represents a significant step toward a future where robots will assist humans in meaningful ways. Whether walking your dog, doing your shopping, or performing tasks on Mars, Optimus and its successors have the potential to transform the way we live and work. For now, the journey of training and learning shows us that the robots of tomorrow are not just a dream but an emerging reality.
