Tesla's Optimus robot, initially announced in 2021, has demonstrated significant advancements in its capabilities. A recent video shared by the company on its official Twitter account, @Tesla_Optimus, showcases the robot autonomously sorting objects using its end-to-end trained neural network. The footage reveals Optimus self-calibrating and sorting colored blocks into corresponding trays, highlighting its precision and adaptability.
“Optimus can now sort objects autonomously. Its neural network is trained fully end-to-end: video in, controls out,” stated the official tweet, inviting enthusiasts to contribute to Optimus' development.
Adaptability and Corrective Actions
The video further illustrates the robot's ability to adapt to dynamic changes in its environment. When a Tesla worker rearranges the blocks, Optimus continues to sort them correctly, showcasing its adaptability. Additionally, the robot exhibits corrective actions; when a block is placed on its side, Optimus adjusts it to the right position, emphasizing its attention to detail and task accuracy.
Optimus can now sort objects autonomously 🤖
Its neural network is trained fully end-to-end: video in, controls out.
Come join to help develop Optimus (& improve its yoga routine 🧘)
→ https://t.co/dBhQqg1qya pic.twitter.com/1Lrh0dru2r
— Tesla Optimus (@Tesla_Optimus) September 23, 2023
Recruitment and Development Goals
Alongside the video, Tesla has encouraged individuals to join the company in developing Optimus. The company's AI and robotics page provides insights into various projects, including the Tesla Bot, Full Self-Driving (FSD) chip, Dojo chip, and neural networks. Tesla aims to create a general-purpose, bi-pedal, autonomous humanoid robot capable of performing unsafe, repetitive, or boring tasks. The company is actively hiring engineers specializing in deep learning, computer vision, motion planning, controls, and general software to tackle challenging engineering problems.
Challenges and Progress
Despite facing challenges such as a supply shortage for actuators, leading to a slowdown in Optimus production, Tesla has made notable progress. The company has designed and manufactured its actuators and anticipates producing them at volume. The advancements in Optimus' hand movements and autonomous capabilities reflect the company's commitment to innovation in AI and robotics.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk is pushing forward with AI and in July launched his xAI company. The company's mission is to “understand the true nature of the universe” by using advanced machine learning and data science methods. The company will focus on some of the most fundamental questions in physics, cosmology, biology and philosophy, such as the origin of life, the nature of consciousness, the structure of space-time and the ultimate fate of the universe.
The company's website states that xAI is “pro-humanity” and will adhere to ethical principles and values in its research and development. It also says that xAI will work closely with Musk's other companies, such as Twitter, Tesla and SpaceX. xAI is separate from X Corp, Musk's holding company that owns Twitter.
