Tesla Optimus Humanoid Robot Draws Crowds at World AI Conference

Tesla’s second generation Optimus humanoid robot drew significant attention at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, despite being displayed in a glass case. 

First unveiled last December, Optimus Gen 2 boasts improved motion and handling capabilities and can do routine tasks such as folding laundry.

Displaying the latest version of the humanoid robot, Tesla stated in a post on the Chinese social media platform Weibo that attendees would "witness the re-evolution of humanoid robots."

Although the humanoid robot was enclosed in a glass case and no demonstrations were held, attendees eagerly lined up to take selfies with it.

Optimis Gen 2 stands at 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 121 pounds. Since its initial debut in 2021, the robot has undergone several revisions, with Tesla making improvements to its dexterity and movement.

The humanoid robot on display in Shanghai was one of the few American technological innovations showcased at WAIC, which was largely dominated by Chinese companies.

Powered by Tesla-designed neural networks and computer vision systems, the company has significant plans for the humanoid. Elon Musk previously suggested its robotics work may outweigh its automotive business.

The company envisions the robots performing both routine tasks around homes and taking on industrial roles in factories.

Related:Tesla Humanoid Robot Optimus Could Launch in 2025

The robots will also have 5G connectivity. Recent Tesla job listings showed the company was seeking engineers to provide a “best-in-class connectivity experience” for its humanoid robot.

Musk told investors in April that Optimus could be ready by 2025, with plans to use the robots in Tesla factories. No official timeline has been released, however, Musk said there was a “good chance” that initial units would launch later this year.

The robots are expected to cost $25,000 to $30,000, though no official price has been released. Those figures appeared when Musk was responding to a user on X (Twitter), saying the robots would cost less than half of a car. The humanoid robot’s price would come down over time, Musk has suggested.

In June, said mass production of its humanoid robots will greatly impact