'2 Years to Meet, 3 Years to Beat:' Tesla CEO Elon Musk Brags About 'Startup' Optimus' Robotics Triumph Over Boston Dynamics

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) CEO Elon Musk responded on Tuesday to a comparison with Massachusetts-based robotics firm Boston Dynamics.

What Happened: Musk highlighted that Tesla achieved in two years what Boston Dynamics accomplished in over 30 years, and surpassed it in three years. 

He emphasized that Tesla’s humanoid robot project, Optimus, did not involve any acquisitions, distinguishing it as a startup.

Both Tesla and Boston Dynamics have developed humanoid robots.

Tesla’s Optimus: Tesla introduced its humanoid bot two years ago with the initial goal of handling unsafe, repetitive, or tedious tasks. The project has since progressed with the release of the Bumblebee version, Gen 1 Optimus, and Gen 2 Optimus in December.

The Gen 2 Optimus boasts a 30% increase in walking speed, a weight reduction of 22 lbs (10 Kg), and improved body control, including enhanced hand dexterity. 

This allows the robot to handle delicate objects, such as eggs, aided by tactile sensing in its fingers. Musk recently shared a video demonstrating the bot’s ability to fold a shirt.

Boston’s Atlas: Boston Dynamics, founded in 1992 and acquired by Hyundai Motor Group (OTC:HYMTF) in June 2021 for $1.1 billion, has developed a humanoid robot named Atlas. Unveiled in 2013, Atlas currently possesses the use of both hands and a full range of motion.

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