Tesla Optimus: AI model, chip, sensors and motors

Tesla Optimus: AI model, chip, sensors and motors | Teardex

Not the brain

Body

The motors, gears, hands and battery that make it move.

Tesla Optimus actuatorsAI Day 2022 prototypeIn-houseConfirmed

Tesla's own joint motor units for Optimus, in rotary types that turn a joint and linear types that push and pull it. Tesla showed 28 structural actuators, designed and made in-house, in six types: three rotary ones that turn a joint and three linear ones that push and pull it. A single leg actuator was shown lifting a half-ton concert grand piano.

Made by: In-house
Applies to: AI Day 2022 prototype
Sources
Checked: 20 Oct 2026

Every robot using Tesla Optimus actuators

Tesla Optimus actuatorsGen 2, what changedIn-houseConfirmed

Tesla's own joint motor units for Optimus, in rotary types that turn a joint and linear types that push and pull it. Tesla said Gen 2 uses Tesla-designed actuators and sensors with the electronics and wiring built into each actuator, a 2-joint powered neck and foot force sensors, and weighs 10 kg less than before.

Made by: In-house
Applies to: Gen 2, what changed
Sources
Checked: 20 Oct 2026

Every robot using Tesla Optimus actuators

Tesla Optimus actuatorsWho makes themIn-houseConfirmed

Tesla's own joint motor units for Optimus, in rotary types that turn a joint and linear types that push and pull it. Musk says the Optimus parts are all Tesla designs but are made by suppliers, because no supply chain for humanoid parts exists. Tesla's finance chief says the engineers who built Tesla's car drive units now work on the actuators.

Made by: In-house
Applies to: Who makes them
Sources
Checked

Planetary roller screwRumoured

A screw ringed by small threaded rollers that turns a motor's spin into a strong, straight push or pull. Optimus's linear actuators are widely reported to use planetary roller screws. China Securities Journal, as relayed by 36Kr, says Xinjian Transmission's roller screws went into Optimus in 2022.

Why not confirmed. Neither Tesla nor Xinjian confirms it in what we opened; one press report relayed by another outlet.

Made by: Not named
Applies to: All versions
Sources
Checked: 20 Oct 2026

Every robot using Planetary roller screw

Optimus handAI Day 2022 and Gen 2In-house,RoughlyLikely

Tesla's own tendon-driven robot hand for Optimus, with its motors in the forearm on newer versions. The early hand had 6 actuators driving 11 joints through metal tendons, much like the cords in a human hand. Tesla's Gen 2 hand kept 11 joints and added touch sensing on every finger.

Why not confirmed. Reported by a Tesla news site that follows the company, not by Tesla itself.

Made by: In-house
Applies to: AI Day 2022 and Gen 2
Sources

Optimus handNewer hand, 22 jointsIn-house,RoughlyConfirmed

Tesla's own tendon-driven robot hand for Optimus, with its motors in the forearm on newer versions. Tesla says its newer hand has 22 joints, plus 3 more in the wrist and forearm. Optimus head Milan Kovac said all of the hand's motors moved into the forearm, which made the forearm heavier.

Made by: In-house
Applies to: Newer hand, 22 joints
Sources

Optimus battery pack, 2.3 kWhAI Day 2022 prototypeIn-house,RoughlyConfirmed

Tesla's own battery pack in the Optimus torso, with its control electronics built into the pack. Tesla showed a 2.3 kWh battery in the torso, meant to last a full work day, with the robot drawing about 100 W standing still and about 500 W walking briskly. Tesla has not given the capacity, voltage or cell company for later versions.

Made by: In-house
Applies to: AI Day 2022 prototype
Sources

Not disclosedTesla has not published joint torques, gear reducer types, bearings, motor types or the battery cell company for any Optimus. It has no robot model files on GitHub and no Optimus FCC filing.

Tesla has not published joint torques, gear reducer types, bearings, motor types or the battery cell company for any Optimus. It has no robot model files on GitHub and no Optimus FCC filing.

We looked at
Checked: 20 Oct 2026

Tesla Optimus

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Body

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