Elon Musk Podcast Can Tesla Optimus Robot actually perform surgery?
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Nov 18, 2025 Discover Tesla's ambitious plans for the Optimus robot, potentially performing surgeries by 2026. Current capabilities include basic tasks like walking and lifting fragile items. The podcast delves into the challenges of gaining clinical trust and navigating regulatory hurdles. Enhanced dexterity and safe tool handling are crucial for success. Explore the implications for rural healthcare and the cultural resistance in surgery. Transparency in trials and early adopter feedback will be vital for acceptance and progress.
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Optimus As A Platform Play
- Tesla frames Optimus as a bridge from cars to everyday robotics and skilled physical tasks.
- A large installed base could speed skill learning but won't automatically grant clinical trust.
Dexterity Gap Is The Core Technical Hurdle
- Current Optimus demos show walking and fragile-object handling like eggs, proving basic balance and grip.
- Tesla plans a next hand with many small parts to push dexterity toward surgical-level manipulation.
Surgery Demands More Than Fine Motors
- Surgical tasks require millisecond reactions, fine force control, and tissue-aware sensing beyond warehouse dexterity.
- Regulation and stepwise clinical validation create a much higher bar than consumer demos.