Optimus Gen 1

Tesla's Optimus Gen 1 represents the company's foundational step into humanoid robotics, unveiled as a working prototype in late 2022 and refined throughout 2023. Standing 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and weighing approximately 125 pounds (57 kg), Gen 1 established the core design philosophy that would evolve into subsequent generations.

The robot incorporates 40 electromechanical actuators distributed throughout its body, 12 in the arms, 2 each in the neck and torso, 12 in the legs, and 12 in the hands. The hands feature 11 degrees of freedom, enabling basic grasping and manipulation capabilities. Tesla designed these actuators in-house, leveraging the company's experience with electric vehicle motors and power electronics.

Optimus Gen 1 builds upon Tesla's Full Self-Driving AI backbone, using computer vision and neural networks rather than expensive LiDAR sensors for environmental perception. Cameras mounted in the robot's head create a 3D understanding of the surrounding environment, enabling navigation and object recognition. This approach reflects Tesla's philosophy of achieving maximum capability through software and AI rather than specialized hardware.

By 2023, Gen 1 prototypes demonstrated capabilities including walking, grasping, and performing simple assembly tasks. Tesla released videos showing Optimus sorting colored blocks, maintaining yoga poses, and conducting basic object manipulation. Safety systems embedded in all joints prevent excessive force if the robot contacts humans. A critical feature for future collaborative applications. Gen 1 served primarily as a development platform, with lessons learned directly informing the more refined Gen 2 unveiled in December 2023.