Tesla is currently developing the third-generation Optimus V3 robot. Elon Musk promises it will be the world's most advanced humanoid robot. Competition in the humanoid robot market is intensifying, and Optimus's unique features may help it stay one step ahead.
The third-generation Tesla robotic robot will feature a completely new hand design offering 22 degrees of freedom, an upgrade from the current Optimus's 11 degrees of freedom. This means the robot's fingers will have a third joint. Human fingers have three joints: one at the connection to the hand, one in the middle, and one near the fingertips.
The Optimus V2 robot's fingers had two joints: one at the connection to the hand and one near the fingertips, but it lacked a central flexion point. The previously released Optimus 2's grip made it difficult to securely grasp objects. The Optimus V3's hand will not only bend its joints but also extend its fingers, allowing it to play the piano.
Optimus's biggest competitor in the robotics field is the Figure 2. Figure 2's hand has 16 degrees of freedom, meaning it has a third knuckle. As shown in the video, Figure 2 can clench its fist like a human, but it also lacks the ability to open its fingers.
The hand designs of Optimus and Figure differ significantly. Figure's hand and fingers are large and thick, while Optimus's hand structure is more human-like. This is because Tesla uses a very human-like control system for its hand, while Figure places a series of motors or actuators directly within the robot's hand and fingers. Tesla opted for metal tendons running through the hand and fingers, similar to the structure of human fingers.
Critical to Optimus V3 is its need for voice. Not only does its competitor Figures already have voice integration, but it will also need to interact with humans in future workplaces. Elon Musk's xAI has just released its latest Grok 2 language model, which is competitive with Open AI's GPT 4. We look forward to the Optimus V3's swift release and its deployment in Tesla's manufacturing facilities.