Watch how Tesla’s humanoid robot recovers from a stumble

Tesla has unveiled a video showcasing its Optimus humanoid robot taking a leisurely stroll. The 38-second footage demonstrates the robot’s capability to navigate soft, uneven terrain with ease. Particularly impressive is the robot’s graceful recovery from a slip while descending a steep slope, showcasing its advanced computing power.

In a post accompanying the video, Tesla CEO Elon Musk mentioned that Optimus can now walk on highly variable ground using neural nets to control its electric limbs. Milan Kovac, vice president at Optimus, further explained that the robot is able to walk on mulched ground without the aid of cameras, relying on built-in sensors and onboard computer integration for balance.

Kovac also revealed plans to enhance Optimus’s abilities by incorporating computer vision for environmental perception and interaction. The team aims to improve the robot’s walking style to appear more natural and develop a safe mechanism for it to topple over in case of a fall to minimize damage.

Comparing Optimus to Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot, which made significant progress in its capabilities over a short period, there is anticipation for Optimus’s rapid advancement in the coming years. Musk initially introduced Optimus in 2021, and despite starting with a skintight bodysuit demonstration, the robot has made significant strides since then.

While Musk envisions thousands of Optimus robots working alongside human staff at Tesla factories in the near future, commercial launch plans are set for 2026 at the earliest. Priced at up to $30,000, Optimus is envisioned as a versatile household assistant capable of various tasks such as childcare, pet care, lawn mowing, grocery fetching, and more.

The potential of Optimus as a multifunctional helper is promising, but as with any ambitious project, timelines may shift. Nonetheless, the progress made in Optimus’s development showcases the exciting possibilities of robotics in enhancing everyday tasks and activities.