If you’re a fan of robotics, you probably already heard about Optimus — No, we’re not talking about the brand name that was once owned by LG for their flagship phones (check out our review for the Optimus G here), but instead, a Tesla brand now.

During the company’s 2024 stockholder meeting, Elon Musk introduced the Optimus Gen 2 humanoid robot, priced between $10,000 and $20,000. The advanced robot aims to revolutionize the labor market and potentially enhance Tesla’s market value significantly.

Dexterity and Adaptability

Optimus Gen 2 brings sophisticated engineering with 22 degrees of freedom in its hands, allowing it to perform intricate tasks such as playing the piano. Enhanced by AI, the robot can understand and anticipate user needs, adapting to various environments and preferences. It is capable of executing up to 70 tasks and features customizable personality and voice options.

Optimus folds a shirt pic.twitter.com/3F5o3jVLq1

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 15, 2024

Impact on the Labor Market

The introduction of Optimus could drastically alter the global labor market. By taking over tasks traditionally performed by humans, the robot may reduce Tesla’s workforce by 60% by 2030. This shift, while potentially displacing some jobs, also opens up new opportunities in manufacturing and robot technology development.

Tesla aims to produce Optimus cost-effectively, with an estimated production cost of around $10,000. The company plans to use mass production techniques to further reduce costs. Initially, the robots will be available for leasing, with broader sales anticipated between 2028 and 2030. This phased approach ensures accessibility and cost efficiency.

Tesla plans to incorporate existing automotive technology into Optimus, enhancing both cost efficiency and functionality. This strategy positions Tesla to lead the robotics industry and capture a substantial market share over the next 10-15 years.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite its potential, Optimus faces significant challenges, including developing a supply chain for specialized components and achieving scalable mass production. While experts have mixed opinions on Musk’s ambitious timeline, Tesla’s history suggests they may overcome these obstacles. Additionally, legal and financial challenges related to Musk’s compensation package could arise.

The Optimus robot represents a major technological leap with the potential to reshape work and industry. As Tesla continues to innovate, the widespread deployment of these robots could lead to unprecedented efficiency and productivity, marking a significant milestone in human-machine collaboration.

Filed in Robots. Read more about AI (Artificial Intelligence), Elon Musk, Robotics and Tesla.