Version 2.5 of the humanoid Tesla Optimus Bot integrates the AI voice assistant Grok. However, this does not work entirely smoothly, as a video shows.
Tesla has revised its humanoid robot Tesla Optimus, as can be seen in a post on X. The current version is now 2.5, but anyone who thought there would be huge improvements will be disappointed. In a video published on X by Salesforce boss Mark Benioff, the new, now gold-colored robot is supposed to implement a simple voice command using xAI's AI assistant Grok. However, this only works with a significant delay. The walking movements of the new Optimus are also rather modest.
"I've been working on my figure," writes Tesla on X on behalf of the latest iteration of its humanoid Optimus Bot. Initial speculation that this could be version 3 was not confirmed. Tesla boss Elon Musk has already denied this. It is version 2.5, and the most obvious difference is the robot's gold-colored appearance. Previously, the robot was silver-grey, sometimes also completely black.
One major visible difference is the hands, which appear to be an exact replica of human hands with five fingers. However, it is unclear whether they work at all. They could also be dummies.
In addition, the Optimus Bot has now integrated xAI's AI assistant Grok. The robot can thus react to natural language and also respond to voice input. However, in a video posted by Salesforce CEO Mark Benioff on X, the Optimus AI assistant does not yet work satisfactorily.
When asked if it knows where to get a Coke, the robot initially takes a few seconds to think. Then it replies choppily: "Sorry, I don't ... have real-time info, but I can take you to the kitchen if you want to check for a Coke there." After that, nothing happens at first. The Optimus Bot needs further prompts before it starts moving.
The robot's gait is still quite slow and bumpy. Previous versions were already better at this. Chinese robots in particular, such as the G1 from Unitree Robotics, achieve smoother movement sequences with their embodied intelligence, although Tesla is already working on this. The integration of Grok into the Optimus Bot does not yet seem to be running optimally either.
However, the ability to communicate with humans is crucial for the Optimus Bot so that the humanoid robot can be used flexibly as a helper in industry and in households. It should be able to perform various tasks in response to voice commands and at the same time answer user questions as a voice assistant.
This is very important for Tesla. Musk sees the company's growth as being dependent on the robot division. The Optimus Bot is set to become a mass product that will generate billions in sales. Elon Musk's current remuneration package is linked to how quickly and successfully this happens. As things stand, the company's goal is to deliver around one million Optimus Bot.