Chris Walti, former head of Tesla's Optimus project, recently commented that humanoid robots like Optimus are not well-suited for factory environments. He noted that industrial tasks are highly repetitive and require speed, which humanoid robots struggle to achieve efficiently. Walti suggested that robots with simpler designs, like those from Mytra, could be more practical.
Developing humanoid robots is more challenging than autonomous vehicles, according to Walti. He compared the current state of humanoid robotics to the "third inning" of a baseball game, implying there is a long way to go before they are ready for widespread use. Despite this, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is optimistic about the Optimus project, planning to deploy thousands of these robots in factories by the end of 2025.
Optimus robots are already being tested in some Tesla factories, performing tasks like sorting batteries and inserting trays. These robots have shown a 30% improvement in walking speed. Globally, other automakers like BMW and Chinese companies BYD and Xpeng are also exploring humanoid robots for factory use.
Google co-founder Sergey Brin expressed skepticism about humanoid robots, suggesting that the focus should not be on replicating human form but on leveraging AI's adaptability. Nonetheless, Musk continues to push forward with Optimus development, showcasing its capabilities at various events.
