Tesla is using virtual reality technology to train its Optimus AI robot. The revelation came via the US-based electric car company’s career pages where it is currently advertising for a new position that involves wearing VR headset and motion-capture suit for up to $48 per hour.
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This is not Tesla’s only virtual reality-related job on offer. It also has a ‘virtual reality teleoperation software engineer’ position available, which appears to be working on the same project.
The successful candidate being responsible for ‘collecting and processing data that fuels the development of Autopilot and Tesla Bot’. Tesla Bot is another name for its Optimus robot.
Tesla outlines ‘what to expect’ for applicants: “Tesla is looking for highly motivated and adaptive individuals to support Tesla’s data collection team.
“The primary objectives of this role are to collect data, assist with engineering requests, and report equipment feedback.
“The successful candidate for this position must be able to make data driven decisions and be comfortable working in a dynamic & fast paced work environment.
“We are looking for someone with enthusiasm for the field of robotics and a strong desire to contribute to the development of Tesla Bot.”
In February, Tesla had an unfortunate connection to virtual reality when drivers of its cars were found to be using VR headsets while at the wheel.
The US Secretary for Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, warned drivers via a post on the social network X that drivers should keep their attention on the road “at all times”.
Job Requirements
There is slightly more to the job’s requirements, also shared on Tesla’s career page. Those selected will be required to walk a pre-determined test route every day and perform certain movements, while wearing both the VR headset and motion capture suit.
On top of this, they will be required to start and stop recording devices, debug software and equipment, create feedback on the performance of the equipment, and analyse and report on the data collected.
Finally, they will need to upload the data collected, along with daily reports that include any observations or issues they may have encountered, which must be communicated quickly to project leaders.
Apart from making sure that the equipment is kept in proper working order and transported safely to collection sites, that’s it in terms of what you would actually need to do.
From Tesla’s perspective, they are looking for candidates that can walk more than seven hours a day while carrying the equipment that weighs as much as 30 pounds.
Some people have found it “disorientating” and ”uncomfortable” to wear the suit for prolonged periods of time, which should be taken into consideration especially as it is also important for the user to be able to maintain bodily coordination, kinaesthetic awareness, and the ability to walk up and down stairs.
Another snag might be that Tesla requires that you must have a height between five feet seven inches and five feet eleven inches in order to fit inside he motion capture suit, and you must also have a relatively flexible schedule, including overtime when needed.
