Revolutionizing Robotics: Inside Tesla’s Optimus Actuators

Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, has recently made significant strides in its development, particularly in mobility and dexterity. These advancements are largely due to Tesla’s focus on refining the robot’s actuator systems. Actuators serve as the muscles of the robot, converting energy into motion, and are crucial for enabling precise and efficient movements.

Tesla has engineered custom actuators for Optimus, comprising three types of rotary actuators and three types of linear actuators. Each actuator is meticulously designed for specific joints and movements, ensuring that the robot can perform tasks with human-like precision and fluidity.

A recent video shared by Elon Musk showcased Optimus walking with a more natural gait. The robot exhibited straight knees, a smoother heel-to-toe motion, and natural arm sway. Milan Kovac, Tesla’s Vice President of Optimus, highlighted that this behavior was entirely trained in simulation using reinforcement learning.

These improvements in actuator design and control algorithms are propelling Optimus closer to practical applications in both industrial and domestic environments. Tesla aims to produce approximately 5,000 units of Optimus in 2025, with potential uses ranging from assisting in manufacturing processes to performing household tasks.