Humanoid Robots

Tesla Bot is a humanoid robot and the newest endeavor for Tesla. Currently, Tesla products include self-driving electric car models and solar panels for homes. Tesla Bot will build off the technology that exists in Tesla’s self-driving cars to create a “general purpose, bi-pedal, humanoid robot.” Tesla’s concept for Tesla Bot was announced in August 2021 at AI Day. Tesla Bot, which is currently in progress, is also referred to as Optimus. The first prototype was revealed at AI Day in September 2022, about a year after its initial announcement. During a demonstration at AI Day 2022, the robot walked around on stage, moved its arms, and waved to the crowd. After the live demonstration, video demonstrations showed the robot delivering a box to a location, watering plants, and picking up relocating parts in the Tesla factory. The robot’s POV was included to show everything it could see and objects identified by Tesla Bot were highlighted in different colors. A second robot prototype that is more similar to Tesla’s concept and ideal end product was revealed. Since the robot was not yet ready to walk, it was propped up on a stand but moved its arms and legs for the audience.

Tesla Bot Specifications

The Tesla Bot weighs 161 pounds, which is more than the original estimate of 125 pounds. Tesla Bot runs on the same self-driving computer as those in Tesla cars. It makes use of the technology that the self-driving cars use to map the environment and identify hazards to make decisions. The robot’s hand has 11 degrees of freedom and 28 actuators to allow full-body movement. In terms of power efficiency, the robot’s power consumption is 100 watts sitting and 500 watts walking. It can walk at 5 MPH. The expected cost of a Tesla Bot, according to Musk, will be less than $20,000. The robot contains cameras, microphones, and speakers to simulate a human’s vision, hearing, and speech. Tesla plans for the robot to have the ability to complete 18 different movements.

Concerns

There are a variety of orphan risks, or potential problems that are hard to identify in advance, for this type of technology. Since humanoid robots are only in development at this point, there is a lot of uncertainty regarding a future with humanoid robots. One is the risk to privacy and autonomy. As seen in the demonstrations, the robot needs to collect data to move around and interact with its environment. There is concern regarding use and storage of collected information, especially if it’s classified as private or sensitive. Another risk to consider is human engagement. It’s unknown how humans will react to robots and the nature of these interactions.

Competitors

Some of Tesla’s competitors are Boston Dynamics and Apptronik. Both companies are also working on development of a humanoid robot.

Boston Dynamics Atlas

Atlas is Boston Dynamics’ version of a humanoid robot and was first revealed in 2013. Since then, Atlas has seen some major improvements. Atlas can travel 2.5 meters per second, stands at a height of 1.5 meters, and weighs 89 kilograms. Atlas has a color camera and a Lidar module to simulate vision. In a demonstration on Youtube, Atlas can walk, run, jump, and even do backflips. Atlas demonstrates carrying and moving objects. The robot does this in numerous movements: squatting to pick up an object, placing an object, traveling with an object, throwing an object, and pushing an object.

Apptronik Astra and Apollo

Apptronik is a Texas-based robotics company. Apptronik developed a robot called Astra featuring only upper-body movement capabilities. Apptronik created a prototype of a full-body humanoid robot, called Quick Development Humanoid (QDH). Apptronik is now building off Astra and QDH to create a humanoid robot called Apollo. Apollo will stand at a height of 1.75 meters, weigh 75 kilograms, and will be able to lift 25 kilograms. Apptronik’s plan is to create their own actuators for Apollo. Apptronik is still working on the concept for Apollo and has plans to present it in March 2023.