Optimus

Tesla provided updates on its Optimus humanoid robot, detailing ambitious production targets including a future 1,000/month line (still months away), and eventual goals of 100,000/month. CEO Elon Musk also stated the current Gen 2 Optimus is 'far from its final form,' as the company hires data collectors to refine its AI, which uses larger neural nets than its cars. Commercialization is eyed for mid-2026 with a $20k target cost.

Recent Tesla Optimus videos have sparked discussion around robot foot design, specifically the role of articulated and actuated toes in enhancing humanoid agility and efficiency. A closer look reveals different approaches across the industry.

Tesla's Optimus robot demonstrates more fluid, human-like movements, touted by Elon Musk as 'real real-time.' The update highlights rapid progress in humanoid robotics, driven by simulation and reinforcement learning, a trend also visible in recent demonstrations by competitors like Unitree and EngineAI, and academic research projects such as HuB.

Soft Robotics Podcast host Marwa ElDiwiny and engineer Scott Walter dissect the rotary-vs-linear actuator debate shaping today’s humanoid robots—explaining why most builders favor compact rotary joints while others bet on planetary-roller-screw cylinders.

Wired magazine predicts 2025 will be a significant year for humanoid robots moving into commercial factory and warehouse roles, citing upcoming deployments like Boston Dynamics' Atlas at Hyundai, alongside existing work by Agility Robotics and Figure. While AI advancements promise greater flexibility and faster learning, challenges concerning reliability, safety, and bridging the gap between demos and autonomous operation remain critical hurdles.