If you’ve ever dreamed of earning over €6,000 a month for walking, Elon Musk’s Tesla might have the job for you. But before lacing up your sneakers, be warned—this role is not as simple as it sounds. In fact, it’s part of a groundbreaking project aimed at shaping the future of robotics.
A Bold Step Toward Robotics Innovation
Tesla is pushing the boundaries of humanoid robotics with its Optimus program, a project designed to create robots capable of navigating and performing tasks in human environments. As part of this initiative, the company recently posted job openings that involve wearing motion-capture suits and VR headsets for hours on end to teach robots how to mimic human movement. The goal? To equip robots with the skills needed to handle daily tasks like walking, sitting, bending, and lifting.
The requirements for the job are unusual: candidates must stand between 1.70 and 1.80 meters tall to fit the specially designed motion suits. You’ll also need the stamina to perform repetitive movements for eight-hour shifts, including weekends and nights, all while carrying heavy equipment. If this sounds like a workout, that’s because it is—Tesla is upfront about the physical demands of the role.
Not Your Average Workout
Imagine walking, squatting, twisting, and performing other physical activities in a suit laden with sensors, all while wearing a VR headset. The setup enables Tesla to record human motions in detail, translating them into data to train the Optimus robots. However, this level of immersion comes with challenges. Tesla cautions that prolonged use of virtual reality (VR) technology can cause nausea and disorientation, symptoms often referred to as “VR sickness.”
And while the physical intensity might deter some, the €6,000+ monthly salary makes the job an attractive option for those willing to put their endurance to the test.
Multiple fully Tesla-made Bots now walking around & learning about the real world 🤖
Join the Tesla AI team → https://t.co/dBhQqg1qya pic.twitter.com/3TZ2znxkfd
— Tesla Optimus (@Tesla_Optimus) May 16, 2023
More Than Just Physical Endurance
This isn’t just about walking or moving—it’s a full-time commitment. Tesla specifies that candidates must be flexible with their schedules, willing to work overtime, and available on weekends or during the night as needed. The high pay reflects the demanding nature of the job, both physically and mentally.
But why such an investment in humanoid robots? Musk has been vocal about his vision for robots revolutionizing the workforce, handling repetitive or physically taxing jobs while freeing humans for more creative and strategic tasks. Tesla even showcased the latest version of its Optimus robot in late 2023, capable of basic mobility and object manipulation. Priced at around €22,000, the robot is intended to assist with household chores and industrial tasks, with several already in operation at Tesla’s Fremont factory.
The Future of Work or a Step Too Far?
For Tesla, the Optimus project represents a leap into the future of automation. Yet, the job requirements raise questions about the ethics and sustainability of asking humans to perform such physically taxing roles to train machines. While some might view it as an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technology, others may see it as a modern-day version of labor-intensive work, albeit with a futuristic twist.
Tesla’s move highlights the growing intersection between humans and machines, where training robots to perform mundane tasks could eventually replace those same roles in the workforce. The job is undoubtedly part of something revolutionary, but it’s clear that this isn’t a role for the faint of heart—or the faint of stamina.
Is It Worth the Price of Admission?
The promise of a lucrative paycheck and a chance to work on the front lines of innovation is appealing, but the demands of the job might make even the most adventurous candidates think twice. Whether you see it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity or an overly strenuous gig, one thing is certain: Tesla’s approach to robotics is as ambitious as Elon Musk himself.
For those willing to sweat for science, this could be a rare chance to help shape the future of technology—just be prepared to walk, squat, and pivot your way through eight-hour days in the name of progress.