Tesla, a company that leads the way with electric vehicles, solar panels and batteries, is now working to develop humanoid robots that are highly autonomous. Recently, they introduced the second generation of humanoid robots, Optimus Prime Gen 2, which is lighter, faster, more stable, and more powerful than its predecessor.
Optimus Gen 2, a general-purpose robot, has broad applications in manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and entertainment. It reaches a height of 5 feet 11 inches and weighs 121 pounds, which is 22 pounds lighter than the previous version. This optimization makes the robot more flexible and efficient when performing tasks. It can reach a top speed of 5 mph, which is 30% faster than the previous generation. What's more, it has 35 degrees of freedom, which allows it to move flexibly in a variety of angles and directions.
Its appearance and movements are closer to that of a human, thanks to its newly designed hands, feet, neck, and body. The robot's hand has 11 degrees of freedom, tactile sensors and faster actuators, allowing it to manipulate objects more precisely and dexterously. The robot's feet are designed to be more natural, with force torque sensors and articulated toes, allowing it to better balance and be smoother when walking.
The Optimus Gen 2 is undoubtedly an outstanding achievement for Tesla and a major breakthrough in the entire field of robotics. It showcases Tesla's rapid progress and innovation in developing humanoid robots that have the potential to rival or even surpass human capabilities. At the same time, it also reveals the potential role of humanoid robots in the future society and economy, capable of tasks that are dangerous, monotonous, or difficult for humans. Tesla also reportedly wants to create a network of robots through its Autopilot and Neuralink technologies that can communicate and cooperate not only with each other, but also with humans.