Codename: Optimus.
Tesla Motors changed its name in 2017 to reflect its plans to expand beyond its role as an electric car manufacturer. It has its own Supercharger network with fast-charging stations and also makes solar electricity generation systems as well as battery energy storage products. What’s next? The Tesla Bot.
Head honcho at Tesla AI Day was Elon Musk The surprise announcement was made by the host, who promised that a prototype would be presented next year. The preview included preliminary technical specifications, such as Full Self-Driving technology that was adapted from company cars. It will also have eight Autopilot cameras.
Tesla Bot was designed to be “friendly”. Its goal is to eliminate repetitive, boring and dangerous tasks. It can run at speeds of up to 5 mph (8 km/h) and is easily outpaced by the average person. Tesla Bot measures 5’8 inches (1.72m) in height and weighs 125lbs (57 kg).
There will be no less than 40 embedded electromechanical actuators, with 12 in each arm, 12 in each leg, and 12 in each hand. Two in the neck and two in both the torso. Codenamed Optimus (why should we be surprised?) The Tesla Bot can lift 150 lbs (68kg) and will have a face-mounted screen that provides relevant information.
What purpose will it serve? Elon Musk provided a concrete example by saying that the Tesla Bot would be able to shop for its owner, as long as it obeys his command: “Please take me to the store to get the following groceries.”