Tesla Humanoid Robot Optimus Folds Laundry in New Video

Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, has been shown with a new set of skills: folding laundry.

Elon Musk shared the update in a video published on X, formerly Twitter.

Musk wrote in a subsequent post that Optimus was not working autonomously, but was remotely operated to perform the task.

“Important note: Optimus cannot yet do this autonomously, but certainly will be able to do this fully autonomously and in an arbitrary environment (won’t require a fixed table with a box that has only one shirt),” he wrote.

As such the demonstration is more a showcase of Optimus’ dexterity and motor skills rather than its autonomous capabilities – meaning Optimus is still some years away from achieving autonomous operation. 

Since its launch in 2021, Tesla has been providing regular updates to its humanoid robot, particularly in improving its mobility and handling capabilities. 

Last September a video was released showing Optimus performing new balancing capabilities including performing yoga and moving autonomously through its environment. In December it was shown balancing, walking and dancing, as well as picking and placing delicate objects such as eggs.