Elon Musk is known to achieve technological advancements that only a few or no one ever did before. Among the tech giant's innovations are the electric-powered cars under the Tesla company. After surpassing the automobile industry, Elon Musk's SpaceX currently belongs in the field of space enterprise. Now, headlines in January expect the billionaire to dive into the business of robotics.
Elon Musk announced that he is ready to pursue a new venture following his success in various industries. Right after 2022 hit the calendar, the Tesla CEO confirmed that plans for AI-powered humanoid robots are at hand in their company earnings conference call.
Elon Musk and Tesla in Robotics and Economy
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 13: Elon Musk, co-founder and CEO of Tesla Motors, speaks at the 2015 Automotive News World Congress on January 13, 2015, in Detroit, Michigan. More than 5,000 journalists worldwide will see approximately 45 new vehicles unveiled during the 2015 NAIAS, which opens to the public on January 17 and concludes on January 25.
Tesla reported a massive gain of growing unit volumes by 90 percent by the fourth quarter last year. The enterprise seems to have productions in place, but global auto production missed approximately 10 percent of the project demand.
Tesla's strange year pushed Elon Musk to announce something that most experts and enthusiasts have long awaited: manufacturing humanoid robots. Many were surprised by the bold move from the billionaire, while some are still puzzled.
According to Barron's, Elon Musk explained that Tesla is now projected to develop a product of priority called Optimus. The Tesla CEO believes that there is still a potential above than vehicle business, and it will be in the form of humanoid robots.
Elon Musk presented another aspiration, more than just the usual car innovations. During the meeting, he said that the upcoming robotic projects of Tesla were inspired by the shortage of labor, as without it, the economy would probably fail.
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Optimus Prototype Expected Later This Year
Optimus is expected to exhibit a number of skills once completed. Several innovations from Elon Musk's previous works, including Tesla and SpaceX, are anticipated to be equipped to the machine.
The humanoid robot concept for Optimus was first unveiled by Elon Musk summer of last year. The goal was to create a near-human machine that could benefit current industries through its multiple functions. With that said, the presentation exhibited a human wearing a robotic suit. The gag served as an introduction that most of the world may see once Tesla releases a prototype later this year.
Tesla's Optimus development has already gained momentum. It will be the most challenging project that Elon Musk will take. The hardest part of building Optimus is achieving its humanoid form. Tesla's new venture will require a complex task that needs knowledge and patience exceeding vehicle production and SpaceX launches.
Optimus will have a body that resembles the human morphology. Aside from being 'friendly,' the humanoid robot will come into a whopping 1.75 meters in height and 56 kilograms in weight. Optimus will also have a speed that can clock up to eight kilometers per hour.
Elon Musk said that once Optimus is up and running, its first workload would be helping car assembly in Tesla facilities. Elon Musk said that Tesla would take a break from producing its high-expected car models, including the Semi, Cybertruck, and Roadster, this year to give way for the new opportunity.
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