Tesla is taking an innovative approach to developing its humanoid robot, Optimus, by hiring people to essentially act as human models for the machine. The company has opened positions for Data Collection Operators who will wear motion capture suits and VR headsets to help train the AI powering Optimus.
Key details of the job:
- Pay rate: Up to $48 per hour
- Location: Tesla's Palo Alto facility
- Title: Data Collection Operator
- Primary tasks: Walking pre-determined routes while wearing mo-cap suits and VR headsets
Physical requirements:
- Height between 5'7 and 5'11
- Ability to walk for over 7 hours daily
- Carry up to 30 pounds
- Comfortable with extended VR use
This unique approach to robot training highlights Tesla's commitment to developing Optimus as a versatile humanoid robot. By using human movements as a baseline, Tesla aims to create more natural and fluid robot motions.
The bigger picture:
Elon Musk has made bold claims about Optimus's potential, suggesting it could help push Tesla's market cap to $25 trillion. The company plans to begin using Optimus robots internally next year, with wider production slated for 2026.
However, experts caution that the development of truly capable humanoid robots is an enormous challenge. Animesh Garg, a senior researcher at Nvidia, estimates that Optimus may require millions of hours of data before it's ready for practical use, potentially costing hundreds of millions of dollars in development.
Looking ahead:
While Tesla's approach is intriguing, it remains to be seen how Optimus will stack up against competing humanoid robots from companies like Boston Dynamics and Figure. As the race to develop capable humanoid robots intensifies, Tesla's unconventional hiring strategy offers a glimpse into the complex process of teaching machines to move like humans.
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| The role comes with height and motion requirements that align well with the training for Optimus |