Elon Musk recently shared a video on his social media page showcasing Tesla’s robot, Optimus, undergoing combat training in a sparring session with a human. The video depicts the robot reacting to the partner’s actions by executing blocks and strikes in a synchronized, almost dance-like manner. Musk confirmed that the robot operates autonomously using built-in AI without the need for remote human control.
In the caption accompanying the video, Musk humorously remarked, “Tesla Optimus is learning kung fu,” highlighting the noticeable improvement in the robot’s speed and fluidity of movement. Ashok Elluswami, Tesla’s Vice President of AI Software, commented that the company aims to develop a unified AI system that will be utilized in both the Optimus robots and Tesla’s self-driving vehicles.
Tesla Optimus is a humanoid robot designed by Tesla, first introduced at the AI Day event on August 19, 2021. Working prototypes of the robot were showcased on September 30, 2022. It is anticipated that the robot will be available for purchase as early as 2026.
