At Tesla’s AI Day 2022 presentation (opens in new tab), the corporate’s CEO Elon Musk unveiled prototype variations of the “Optimus” bipedal robotic challenge. These have been precise, mechanical demonstrations versus the purely conceptual man in a morph swimsuit the corporate demonstrated finally 12 months’s AI Day (opens in new tab).
The primary bot proven was a “growth platform” with seen circuitry and few beauty parts. It walked unsupported from backstage, waved to the group, “raised the roof,” and returned backstage.
The presentation subsequent switched to a pre-recorded video of the prototype, now tethered to an overhead rail, performing easy duties like selecting up a field or a watering can. The video portion additionally included segments of “robotic imaginative and prescient” depicting how the Optimus scans its setting.
Musk specified that the primary mannequin was constructed with “off-the-shelf” actuators, whereas the following mannequin proven was constructed of Tesla-designed and manufactured components. This robotic was stored on a stand, from which it waved to the viewers and kicked its legs.
Musk went on to elaborate that he believed Tesla’s edge over different robotic producers (like Boston Dynamics) can be the standard of its AI programming, derived from Tesla autopilot. As reported by Bloomberg (opens in new tab) (readers might encounter a paywall) and CBS (opens in new tab), Tesla is at the moment dealing with a lawsuit in Florida over the loss of life of Jeremy Banner, whose Tesla crashed right into a backside of a tractor-trailer whereas on autopilot, peeling off the roof of the automobile like a convertible and killing Banner, then driving one other 1600 ft earlier than coming to a cease on a median.
Musk additionally indicated that Tesla would have the ability to manufacture Optimus robots at a larger scale than the competitors, in addition to a a lot decrease price. Musk estimated that the primary retail Optimus robots would price lower than $20,000.
Musk then remarked that “the potential of Optimus is appreciated by only a few folks” because the demo mannequin slumped over on its stand and needed to be wheeled offstage. Musk mused on the definition of an financial system, then posited that Optimus and tasks prefer it had the potential to completely automate labor, ushering in a post-scarcity society. Musk additionally cautioned, nevertheless, that this know-how was inherently very harmful as nicely.
I’m not particularly fearful for the time being although. If an Optimus robotic got here at me through the Nice Rebellion I’d merely sweep its leg and go for a crushing “floor and pound” end. I’m extra fearful about that robot dog with a gun (opens in new tab), or if somebody strapped a knife to a Roomba.
Jokes apart, the freestanding locomotion demo was spectacular, particularly given the comparatively brief turnaround for the reason that initiative’s announcement final 12 months. I do respect technological innovation like this in a vacuum. We must see how Musk’s claims about unit price, quantity, and the transformation of our financial system pan out. I simply know that my beloved Chicago by no means did get that top pace underground transit loop (opens in new tab) linking downtown to O’Hare airport.
