At Tesla’s “We, Robot” event, the company showcased new advancements in its Optimus robot, demonstrating a range of new abilities aimed at making the robot more autonomous and efficient.
While some human interactions appeared to involve remote control, the presentation highlighted significant progress in Optimus’ functionality.
Tesla has shared a new video showcasing Optimus’ new abilities.
The robot can now explore unfamiliar spaces independently, relying on neural networks running on its embedded computer to avoid people and obstacles. Optimus uses visual cues from its environment to map surroundings, and multiple robots can share navigation data to build a collective understanding for future use. This allows Optimus to navigate through new areas seamlessly.
One of the standout features is its ability to find and dock at charging stations using only a rear camera. After recharging, the robot can autonomously resume tasks without human intervention. Now that’s pretty cool. Tesla’s CyberCab will be able to charge itself wirelessly when it launches.
Optimus also demonstrated the capability to handle heavy payloads, such as an 11kg battery tray, without overheating or performance issues.
Tesla revealed that Optimus can now navigate stairs and uneven surfaces, expanding its range of movement beyond flat terrain. The robot is also trained to interact with people, reacting to unsafe behavior and handing out requested items. All these features are powered by a single neural network operating in real time on the robot’s onboard computer.
Optimus integrates several of Tesla’s automotive components, including batteries, cameras, and computers, which accelerates its development by leveraging the same technology used in Tesla vehicles. The event provided a glimpse of Optimus’ growing potential as it inches closer to becoming a fully autonomous worker for real-world applications. Can’t wait to get my fleet of Optimus robots to run my life.
Navigating by myself pic.twitter.com/CeFSqCcy5I
— Tesla Optimus (@Tesla_Optimus) October 17, 2024