Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, is making headlines again with its latest upgrade. Tesla CEO Elon Musk shared a video showcasing the robot catching a tennis ball one-handed, a skill that has drawn both praise and scepticism from viewers online.
Optimus will be like having your own personal C-3PO & RD-D2 https://t.co/0XgItDZE6S
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 28, 2024
In the video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Optimus demonstrates impressive coordination and timing. Musk hinted at its potential to become a personal assistant akin to sci-fi icons like C-3PO and R2-D2, “Optimus will be like having your own personal C-3PO & R2-D2,” Musk remarked. His vision suggests a future where humanoid robots may become a common companion in households and workplaces.
A complex feat of engineering
Catching a ball one-handed may seem simple, but it’s a technical marvel for a robot. The task involves rapid ball detection, trajectory prediction, motion tracking, and precise grasp timing—all handled by Optimus’s advanced AI systems. Tesla claims that the technology behind the feat relies on AI and computer vision adapted from the driver-assist features used in its electric vehicles.
Despite this, only some are convinced the display was entirely autonomous. Some sceptics in Musk’s post questioned whether the robot might be mimicking human movements or operating under remote control. One commenter remarked, “It looks like a human catching it,” a reminder of Optimus’s 2021 debut, where the “robot” was revealed to be a person in a bodysuit.
The discussion highlights both the awe and the doubts surrounding Optimus’s abilities, underscoring how far Tesla has come in developing its humanoid robots since that early introduction.
From factory helper to household companion
Optimus has progressed significantly in its capabilities over the years. Tesla has released various updates, including videos of the robot serving drinks and mingling with event guests. Recently, Optimus even appeared at the unveiling of Tesla’s robotaxi in Los Angeles, where it performed tasks designed to demonstrate its growing functionality.
Musk envisions the robot taking on factory work as early as next year, tackling “dangerous, repetitive, [and] boring tasks.” By 2026, Tesla hopes to make Optimus available to other companies, marking a potential turning point for the commercial use of humanoid robots.
In addition to industrial applications, Musk has hinted at an ambitious future for Optimus as a household assistant. He believes the robot could one day help with childcare, walk pets, mow lawns, do grocery shopping, and even serve as a companion. “It will do everything you want: babysit your kid, walk your dog, mow your lawn, get the groceries, just be your friend, serve drinks,” Musk said.
What will it cost?
Of course, such cutting-edge technology doesn’t come cheap. Musk estimates that an Optimus robot could cost around US$25,000 once production reaches scale. While that price tag initially puts it out of reach for many households, it suggests Tesla’s intention to eventually make humanoid robots accessible on a larger scale.
Whether Optimus lives up to its promise remains to be seen, but Tesla’s robotics advancements continue generating excitement and speculation. As 2024 approaches, the world will be watching to see how Optimus evolves and what its role is in daily life.
