Tesla has unveiled its humanoid robot ‘Optimus’ that learns human movements through YouTube videos. The robot can perform daily tasks from cleaning to cooking by observing human actions in online videos.
Mimicking Human Behavior Through Video-Based Learning
Tesla Optimus learns human behavior solely from online video platforms like YouTube. Much like a child mimicking their parents’ actions, the robot analyzes human movements in three dimensions and converts them into its own motions.
The learning process consists of three stages. First, it breaks down videos frame by frame to extract the positions and angles of human joints. Next, it converts human biomechanical movements to match the robot’s mechanical structure. Finally, it undergoes repetitive learning through simulations until it can perform naturally in real environments.
Notably, Tesla’s visual recognition technology accumulated from autonomous vehicle development is directly applied. The artificial intelligence (AI) that once predicted movements of other vehicles and pedestrians on roads is now being used to learn and mimic human daily behavior patterns.
Ultra-Fast Environmental Recognition in 2-3 Milliseconds
The core of Optimus lies in its sensor system that surpasses human reflexes. The robot combines various sensors including cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and LiDAR to comprehensively perceive its surroundings.
Recently, it has become capable of real-time environmental recognition using only neural network sensors without cameras. The robot maintains balance by processing terrain information in 2-3 millisecond intervals. This operates on a principle similar to how bats perceive their surroundings through ultrasonic waves.
In demonstration videos, Optimus showed the ability to regain balance and continue walking even after slipping on inclined surfaces. It also demonstrated the capability to detect terrain changes in advance and adjust walking patterns in real-time.
Performing Daily Tasks from Cleaning to Cooking
Through video learning, Optimus can perform various daily tasks. It can open trash cans and dispose of garbage, sweep floors, handle cooking utensils, and assist with simple cooking tasks. The robot also possesses autonomous decision-making abilities to plan and execute actions upon receiving commands.
All these actions result from learning through videos without direct human programming. The robot analyzes thousands of hours of video data to understand human movement patterns. This works on the same principle as a child learning grammar by listening to numerous conversations.
‘Zero-Shot Learning’ for Instant New Task Acquisition
Optimus’s most innovative feature is its ‘Zero-shot Learning’ capability. This technology allows the robot to immediately perform new tasks based on existing learning experiences without additional training for new activities.
While traditional robots operated on a ‘programming → execution’ model, Optimus has achieved a fundamental shift to ‘observation → understanding → execution.’ This concept is similar to solving mathematical problems by understanding patterns without memorizing formulas.
However, current limitations exist in precision tasks such as piano performance or surgical procedures. Ensuring safety in unexpected situations remains an ongoing research challenge.
Expected Impact Across Manufacturing and Service Industries
Experts predict that Optimus’s technology will have ripple effects across various industrial sectors. In manufacturing, it is expected to enable flexible production lines and customized manufacturing. In the service industry, 24-hour customer service and personalized service provision are anticipated to become reality.
The healthcare sector also expects expanded roles in patient care and rehabilitation therapy assistance. The combination of neural network sensors and AI algorithms is expected to enable autonomous decision-making in increasingly complex environments.
However, the rapid advancement of robotics may bring changes to employment and social structures, requiring careful consideration. Experts point out the need for social consensus on human-robot collaboration methods and educational system reforms to create new job opportunities.
As robots’ autonomous decision-making capabilities increase, establishing safety standards and ethical guidelines will become increasingly important.
