The first-generation Optimus is the Tesla humanoid prototype shown at AI Day on September 30, 2022. Two units appeared: the walking development robot Bumble C and a sleeker prototype closer to the intended design that could not yet walk.
History and launch
Tesla announced the Tesla Bot at AI Day in August 2021 with nothing more than a dancer in a suit, quoting a planned height of about 173 cm, a weight of 57 kg and a 20 kg carrying capacity.
On September 30, 2022, the Bumble C prototype, built largely from off-the-shelf parts, walked on stage without cables or supports, if somewhat unsteadily and with its wiring exposed. A second, more refined unit using Tesla-designed actuators was carried out by staff; it could wave its arms but not yet walk. Tesla also showed clips of Bumble C carrying a box, watering a plant and moving a metal part at the Fremont factory.
Hardware
Weight went up from the 125 lb promised in 2021 to roughly 160 lb (about 73 kg). A 2.3 kWh battery pack, which Tesla said was good for about a day of work, integrated the power electronics on a single board.
The body used 28 structural actuators (Tesla contrasted this with the two drive units in a car), consolidated into a handful of rotary and linear designs to cut cost. The hand had four fingers and an opposable thumb, with six actuators and 11 degrees of freedom driving spring-loaded tendons.
Software and AI
Optimus ran on the same computer as Tesla's cars with Full Self-Driving hardware. Vision networks, including the occupancy network, came over from Autopilot, and navigation did not depend on GPS. The robot also had wireless connectivity and audio support.
Legacy
The 2022 prototype was the baseline for later versions. In December 2023 Tesla showed Optimus Gen 2, about 10 kg lighter and 30% faster at walking, with new hands carrying tactile sensors. The first generation was never sold.
Price and availability
At AI Day, Elon Musk said the eventual robot could cost under $20,000 and guessed it would be available in three to five years. The prototype itself was not offered to customers.
Timeline
- 2021-08 Tesla Bot announced at AI Day (dancer in a suit; planned 173 cm, 57 kg)
- 2022-09 AI Day 2022: first walking prototype Bumble C and the sleeker Optimus
- 2023-12 Successor revealed: Optimus Gen 2
Sources
- Tesla's robot is a real robot now, not just a guy in a suit, TechCrunch (2022-09-30)
- Tesla Shares More Details About Optimus Humanoid Robot, Robotics 24/7 (2022-10)
- Tesla Unveils Optimus Robot Gen 2, Not a Tesla App (2023-12)
Updated: 2026-10-10
Verification and limitations
This entry requires an up-to-date manufacturer specification check.
MERA field measurement report: not published. Demonstration footage and manufacturer specifications are not a MERA test under event conditions.
Data and provenance for AI agents ↗Compared with the catalogue
- At 172 cm the Tesla Optimus Gen 1 is taller than 58% of the humanoids in the catalogue (median: 170 cm).
- It has 28 degrees of freedom against a catalogue median of 28; more degrees of freedom usually means finer arm and hand movement.
- Its weight of 73 kg (catalogue median: 65 kg) matters for transport and for working around people.
- It is one of 4 Tesla models in the catalogue and one of 43 humanoids from USA.
Capabilities
Frequently asked questions
When was the first Optimus shown?
On September 30, 2022, at Tesla AI Day.
How much did Optimus Gen 1 weigh?
About 73 kg (160 lb), up from the 57 kg announced in 2021.
Could the 2022 Optimus walk?
The Bumble C development robot walked across the stage unsupported; the sleeker prototype could not walk yet.
What battery did Optimus Gen 1 use?
A 2.3 kWh pack that Tesla said would last roughly a day of work.
Was Optimus Gen 1 for sale?
No. It was a prototype; Musk suggested the eventual robot might cost less than $20,000.
How much does the Tesla Optimus Gen 1 cost?
The manufacturer has not published a price for the Tesla Optimus Gen 1. You can send a purchase enquiry through MERA Robotics.
Is the Tesla Optimus Gen 1 available to buy?
Status: Obsolete: the model has been retired or replaced by a newer version.
How tall and heavy is the Tesla Optimus Gen 1?
Height: 172 cm, weight: 73 kg, degrees of freedom: 28.
How do I buy the Tesla Optimus Gen 1 through MERA Robotics?
Click “I want to buy” or fill in the form on this page. MERA Robotics will reply whether and on what terms the model is available and can help deploy it with the MERA OS conversation system.
Data: Tesla. Specs from the manufacturer; they may change, always confirm with the manufacturer before buying.
