Things to know about the Tesla Bot.

The journey towards humanoid robots.

Tesla is building a humanoid robot.

It’s called Tesla Bot.

It’s affectionately known as Optimus, which is a nod to the Transformers.

Elon Musk has said it’s possible Tesla could begin taking orders within 5 years.

And it will cost less than a Tesla vehicle (likely less than $20,000).

What will it do?

In general, jobs that are repetitive, boring for dangerous for humans.

Musk has described scenarios such as: 

• mowing the lawn

• picking up groceries 

• caring for elderly people

• or even, just being a buddy

Tesla Bot is learning based on the same AI technology that is used for Tesla vehicles.

In fact, Musk has often noted Tesla vehicles are essentially robots on four wheels.

Those vehicles learn by watching videos.

And the humanoid robots do too.

Tesla Bot can already sort blocks by color, fully autonomously.

Musk’s next test?

He recently said he’d like to see it pick up a needle and thread…

…and then thread the needle just by looking.

He thinks that could be achieved within a year.

Of course, other companies have been developing robots over the years — think Boston Dynamics or Honda.

But if Tesla may have a manufacturing and scale advantage.

Musk has noted Tesla could not find any parts to build the robots outside the company so it had to create them all internally.

That means Tesla is creating a supply chain for humanoid robots from the ground up.

Stay tuned!