Tesla debuts its most advanced humanoid robot

Tesla unveiled Optimus Gen 2, its most advanced version of a humanoid robot that can perform tasks and assist humans.

At 5 feet, 11 inches tall and 121 lbs, the robot can run at 5 mph and move shockingly similar to a human. The new robot is 22 lbs lighter than its predecessor and can move 30% faster, Fox News reported Monday. 

In response to a video of Optimus Gen 2 fluidly waving its hands, Tesla CEO Elon Musk predicted that within a year, "it will be able to thread a needle."

Tesla's rate of robot innovation has been rapid, with Tesla's first humanoid robot, Bumblebee, being launched in September 2022 and the first generation of Optimus being launched in March 2023. 

Musk has made bold predictions for Optimus, even saying last month on X that it has the "potential for incredible artificial limbs." He previously said that Optimus could be used to create limbs similar to the robot limb created for "Star Wars" character Luke Skywalker. 

Follow Madeleine Hubbard on X or Instagram.