Optimus vs Figure 03: Key Differences

Optimus features a taller and slimmer frame (173 x 50 x 30 cm) weighing 57 kg, optimized for factory and logistics environments. Figure 03 is slightly shorter but broader (167 x 60 x 50 cm) and lighter at 45 kg, with a design focus on safety and ergonomics, including multi-density foam padding and soft textile covering. Figure 03’s build emphasizes mass manufacturability and user-friendly aesthetics suitable for home use.

Optimus achieves a top speed of 8.06 km/h using Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD)-based vision system and internal proprioception, enabling autonomous navigation within complex environments like factories. Figure 03 moves slower at 4.2 km/h but benefits from a robust control system with vision-language-action AI and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), supporting fleet learning and voice-command navigation. Both demonstrate agile locomotion but target different mobility profiles.

Optimus incorporates RGB and stereo cameras, IMU, gyroscope, force, and temperature sensors to perceive its surroundings, leveraging Tesla’s extensive vehicle sensor expertise. Figure 03 adds tactile fingertip sensors, palm cameras, and mmWave data offload technology, enhancing its ability to interact delicately with objects and environments. The sensory suite of Figure 03 supports advanced safety and interaction in home settings.

Optimus runs on Tesla’s custom OS tightly integrated with its FSD AI, using years of driving data and simulation to support autonomous operation and skill acquisition. Figure 03 employs the Helix AI system based on ROS and Linux, designed specifically for humanoid tasks with vision-language-action modeling, allowing real-time environment understanding and adaptation. Tesla’s AI excels in perception and navigation, while Figure 03 focuses on task generalization and human-scale interaction.

Optimus offers approximately 8 hours of operational use on a single charge, suitable for a full workday in industrial settings. In contrast, Figure 03 boasts a significantly longer battery lifespan of 3-5 years, implying durable battery technology, though its daily operational runtime is shorter. Figure 03 supports wireless charging and optimized ergonomics to maintain high uptime in domestic environments.

Optimus is positioned for manufacturing, logistics, elder care, and domestic assistance, leveraging its speed and autonomous navigation for factory and warehouse efficiency. Figure 03 targets home assistance, household chores, elderly care support, light object manipulation, and cleaning, emphasizing safe interaction and adaptability. Their respective software and hardware designs reflect these distinct operational focuses.

Both robots include emergency stop functions and obstacle detection. Optimus employs compliant actuators to reduce injury risk in physical interactions. Figure 03 enhances safety with multi-density foam padding, soft textile coverings, pinch point protection, and tactile fingertip sensors, making it better suited for close human contact in home environments.

Optimus runs Tesla’s proprietary OS integrated with the FSD AI stack, benefiting from Tesla’s vast data and simulation pipelines for rapid skill learning and deployment. Figure 03 uses the Helix AI system built on ROS and Linux, supporting Python and C++ APIs for flexibility, and incorporates vision-language-action learning tailored for humanoid tasks. Both ecosystems facilitate autonomous control with remote supervision capabilities.

Optimus is priced between $20,000 and $30,000, reflecting an accessible entry point into humanoid robotics with factory-grade AI integration. Figure 03’s higher price range of $50,000 to $70,000 corresponds to its advanced sensory suite, safety features, and home-focused design. The cost differences align with their target markets and intended deployment environments.