Tesla shifted the Optimus program to a vision-only training strategy, prioritizing video recordings of workers performing tasks over motion-capture suits and teleoperation. The company previously used motion-capture suits and virtual-reality headsets to record human operators and remotely operate the robot, but will now focus on scaling data collection by capturing videos for tasks like picking up objects or folding t-shirts. The move aligns Optimus with Elon Musk's belief that cameras can enable AI to master complex tasks and mirrors Tesla's camera-based approach to autonomous driving. Leadership changes preceded the shift, with the AI director assuming control.
Tesla is turning to a well-worn blueprint to train its humanoid robot. The carmaker told employees in late June it would focus more on a vision-only approach for the Optimus program, insiders familiar with the team told Business Insider. Tesla previously used motion capture suits and virtual reality headsets to record data from human operators and remotely operate the robot.
The change marks a significant shift in Tesla's robotics strategy, aligning Optimus with CEO Elon Musk's long-standing belief that AI can master complex tasks using cameras. The automaker has long used a similar approach to train its autonomous driving software. The change occurred shortly after Milan Kovac, the director of the Optimus program, stepped down. AI director Ashok Elluswamy has since taken charge of the program, the insiders said.
Teleoperation and motion capture are standard industry practices to train robots. Leading robotics company Boston Dynamics, for example, has used teleoperation to train its Atlas robot. During the training process, motion capture suits are worn by workers who perform various tasks; the data is then fed to the robot. Motion capture suits can also be worn to remotely control the robot.
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