Tesla Unveils Optimus Robot Gen 2: Tesla-Designed Fingertip Sensors, Actuators and Ten Other Improvements [Video]

December 13, 2023

By Kevin Armstrong

Optimus Gen 2 shows off its new finger tip sensors

Not a Tesla App

Tesla provided a one-minute, 43-second video update on its new humanoid robot. Optimus Gen 2 has come a long way since we originally saw a person dressed up in a white and black spandex costume, and even further since the last update in March.

Enhanced Design and Functionality

The Optimus Gen 2 robot represents a significant evolution from its predecessor. It's 10 kilograms lighter and moves 30% faster. There are moments during the short video where you have to ensure the company hasn’t returned to the spandex-wearing stand-in; it is that good.

A key highlight of Tesla's Optimus Gen 2 is its human-like movement. The robot features new hands and feet equipped with advanced, Tesla-designed sensors and actuators, allowing precise and delicate object manipulation. This upgrade in tactile capability paves the way for the robot's practical application in various tasks.

There’s a new bot in town 🤖

Check this out (until the very end)!https://t.co/duFdhwNe3K pic.twitter.com/8pbhwW0WNc
— Tesla Optimus (@Tesla_Optimus) December 13, 2023

In a remarkable display, Optimus delicately picks up an egg with those new hands. The video displays the sensors in the fingertips matching where the egg is situated and the force the fingers are using.

Moving beyond functionality, the Optimus Gen 2 also showcases Tesla's flair for design. It had a few body panel upgrades that could be taken straight from a stormtrooper.

In the video, Tesla describes the enhancements that have been made in this second generation of the robot, which include:

Tesla-designed actuators & sensors
2 DoF (degrees of freedom) actuated neck
Actuators-integrated electronics & harnessing
30% walk speed boost
Foot force/torque sensing
Articulated toe sections
Human foot geometry
10kg total weight reduction without sacrifice
Improved balance & full-body control
Faster, 11-DoF brand-new hands
Tactile sensing on all fingers
Delicate object manipulation

Optimus Progression

Amazing pace of innovation by the Tesla Optimus team 🦾🤖 pic.twitter.com/gzR5sEEBNk
— Tesla Hype (@TeslaHype) December 13, 2023

The Machine That Builds the Machine

There’s no doubt Tesla will use Optimus in its assembly lines, and it’s only a matter of time before Tesla utilizes Optimus to build its own Optimus robots. Although this screams science fiction, it makes sense from an efficiency perspective and the safety of robots and AI are a subject Tesla is taking seriously.

The Machine That Builds The Machine#Tesla #Optimus #AI pic.twitter.com/Gx6iiZrItR
— Tesla Hype (@TeslaHype) March 1, 2023

Software and Practical Application: The Real Challenge

Despite its impressive hardware, the real challenge for Tesla lies in the software and practical applications of Optimus Gen 2. The goal is to develop a robot that can reliably and flexibly perform real-world tasks, a challenge that resonates across the field of humanoid robotics.

Tesla's swift progress from announcing its venture into humanoid robotics to unveiling the Optimus Gen 2 is remarkable. This rapid development underscores Tesla's capacity for swift innovation and execution, qualities that have defined the company under Elon Musk's leadership. The Optimus Gen 2 represents a significant contribution to the rapidly evolving field of robotics.

However, Tesla is a leader in artificial intelligence due to its Full Self-driving program, which has changed into neural nets. Version 12 of FSD, now being tested by employees, replaces 300,000 lines of code and allows the system to maneuver the car using its vast neural network. If Tesla can make that work on the road, with hundreds of different variables, it can apply it to robotics where it’ll be used in repetitive situations with fewer variables.

As Tesla continues to refine Optimus, the implications for the company and the broader robotics industry are profound. Musk's vision of Optimus surpassing the value of Tesla's automotive business highlights the anticipated impact of humanoid robots in various sectors. Plus, the robot now dances like Elon, you have to watch until the end of the video to see that display.

Tesla Confirms Update Issue for FSD V13.2.2; Fix Coming

February 7, 2025

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

A member of Tesla’s AI development team, Kalena Brown, took to X to mention that an update is on its way for AI 4 vehicles on older FSD V13.2 builds.

It seems that Tesla has caught an issue that has been preventing vehicles from safely updating from FSD V13.2.2 to newer builds such as FSD V13.2.4 or V13.2.6.

The Bug

Tesla usually catches these issues early in testing, but sometimes, they make their way out into the wild, necessitating a stop to a rollout. In this case, the rollout was likely halted to prevent this issue from spreading to other vehicles.

There have been a lot of comments on social media that users haven’t seen an update since late December or early January. While that’s not completely abnormal, this update, version 2024.45.25.5 includes an issue that prevents it from being updated.

Please be patient! Found an issue specific to that update path, but fix is coming soon

Many folks on older builds also waiting and we're working hard to get everyone covered 🙂
— Kalena Brown (@KalenaKBrown) February 7, 2025

The Fix

Brown says that Tesla is aware of the issue and is working hard to get a build with the fix released soon. It may be a couple of weeks before it’s ready, but you can expect Tesla to roll this one out slowly to make sure the issue is addressed.

The issue appears to be specific to FSD V13.2.2, so anyone on another update should not be affected. Keep an eye out on our feeds - and we’ll let you know once the update is released.

Tesla to Introduce New Paint Options for New Model Y in North America

February 7, 2025

By Karan Singh

Not a Tesla App

Tesla introduced the Refreshed Model Y in North America with just four colors - Stealth Grey, Pearl White Multi-Coat, Ultra Red, and Quicksilver. While those are likely some of the most popular colors - many have been asking - what about new color options?

Actually - what even happened to Deep Blue Metallic - one of the most popular Tesla color choices? Well, thanks to an interview between Tesla Owners Club Silicone Valley and some of Tesla’s vehicle engineers, we now have more details.

New Paint Options

More paint options are around the corner for the new Model Y, but they won’t be available just yet. In fact, they’ll likely be available once the Launch-Series wraps up - as those vehicles are shipping in May.

One of Tesla’s latest colors, Glacier Blue, debuted in the Asia-Pacific market, but for now, North America remains limited to a select set of options. Deep Blue Metallic continues to be one of Tesla’s most popular choices, and black is also a favorite, though it is currently unavailable for new Model Y orders.

In a recent interview, Tesla’s engineering team confirmed that new colors are already being developed. However, the key factor delaying their availability is production ramp-up. Just as scaling vehicle production takes time, expanding paint production capacity is a gradual process. Tesla is prioritizing a smooth production ramp before adding more color options to the lineup.

New Color Hints

The engineering team also mentioned that if you “put two and two together” while browsing the website, it will be pretty evident which colors are coming. This suggests that the new colors will not be completely new but will be colors that are available on other models or in other regions. The primary candidates are Glacier Blue, which is available in Asia, and Deep Blue Metallic and Black, which are available for the now, last-gen Model Y.

It seems like once production ramps up, Tesla will be ready to introduce some new paint options. Maybe they’ll introduce them alongside the expected refreshed Model Y Performance? If you’re in the market for a paint option that isn’t available in North America just yet - it could be best just to wait a few months.