Tesla has released a new 36-second video showing its humanoid robot, Tesla Optimus, practicing Kung Fu with a human partner inside the company’s robotics lab. The short clip highlights major improvements in speed, agility, and balance, surpassing earlier, sped-up demonstrations.
The video opens with Optimus exchanging a friendly fist bump before assuming a combat stance. The robot then dodges, blocks, and lands a controlled sidekick; all while maintaining impressive stability.
When pushed, Tesla Optimus quickly regains balance, demonstrating refined real-time weight control, a crucial skill for daily movement.
See the full video here: https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1974338806305411516?t=hFezWVQv-9uecS1TiztvkA&s=19
Elon Musk confirmed that these movements were powered entirely by onboard AI, not remote control.
This marks a major step forward from earlier tele-operated performances, such as the popcorn-serving demo. It means Tesla Optimus processed environmental data and reacted autonomously, signaling major progress in independent robot behavior.
Although its hands remain inactive, the robot’s footwork and limb coordination look much more advanced. Tesla has not yet integrated its 22-degree-of-freedom hand system, but analysts believe this upgrade will soon allow Optimus to perform delicate tasks and handle objects with precision.
According to Tesla, the Kung Fu showcase highlights the robot’s reflexes, adaptability, and dexterity, not combat training. The performance demonstrates real-world potential for factory assistance, lifting, and navigating complex terrain.
If Musk’s AI claims hold true, this shift from pre-programmed routines to autonomous learning represents a breakthrough in humanoid robotics.
Musk also reaffirmed Tesla’s production plans, stating the company aims to build around 5,000 Optimus units in 2025 for in-house factory use and expand to 50,000 units by 2026 as development continues.
