Tesla’s Optimus (a.k.a. “Tesla Bot”) is a general-purpose humanoid robot under development by Tesla, Inc., first unveiled during AI Day 2021 and demonstrated as a working prototype in 2022. Designed to carry out “dangerous, repetitive, or boring” tasks—both in manufacturing and potentially at home—Optimus is envisioned to help fill labor gaps and alleviate monotonous work.
By late 2023, Tesla released footage of Optimus Gen 2 showcasing notable enhancements: approximately 30 % faster walking speed, a 10 kg reduction in weight, improved balance, human-geometry feet with force-sensing toes, and advanced hands with 11 degrees of freedom and tactile fingertips—capable of handling delicate items like eggs.
While Tesla’s first goal is industrial use—such as moving parts in factories—Musk has hinted at a domestic future for Optimus. In the home, it could perform everyday chores like folding laundry, loading dishwashers, preparing simple meals, tidying rooms, and even grocery restocking. Thanks to its dexterous hands and AI-driven spatial awareness, Optimus could adapt to varied household layouts and unpredictable messes. Tesla envisions a scenario where the robot becomes a tireless household helper, freeing people from hours of repetitive domestic labour.
Musk has described Optimus as potentially more significant to Tesla’s future than its electric vehicle business. Production plans are aggressive: limited internal deployment by 2025, broader availability in 2026, and possible mass production with prices around US $30,000.
Critics remain cautious. Some demonstrations have shown signs of teleoperation rather than full autonomy, prompting skepticism about ambitious timelines. The departure of key personnel and strategic pivots—including winding down the Dojo supercomputer project—have further fueled doubts.
Nevertheless, Optimus reflects Tesla’s bold ambitions at the intersection of AI, manufacturing, and daily life. Whether it remains a futuristic concept or evolves into a genuine factory worker and domestic aide is a narrative still unfolding.
