Development Challenges and Achievements
Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently disclosed that the company has produced only a handful of Optimus humanoid robots so far, citing significant hurdles in actuator design. Since the robot’s announcement at Tesla’s AI Day in August 2021, the development has faced delays due to the need for custom-built actuators. Unlike standard components, these actuators are crucial for the robot’s movement, requiring Tesla to innovate from scratch.
Future Prospects and Production Plans
Musk indicated that the first batch of production-ready actuators, essential for scaling up production, should be completed by around November. Despite initial setbacks, Tesla remains optimistic about Optimus, highlighting its potential to revolutionize the company’s future operations. With ambitious forecasts of 10 to 20 billion units, Optimus could significantly surpass Tesla’s current vehicle fleet, potentially reshaping the market with its advanced technology.