Tesla Optimus robot can now use AI to communicate and build a hive mind as it charges itself

While Tesla's VP of Optimus robot development confirmed that the bots at the Robotaxi event were assisted by human operators, he also said that there will be a big new feature drop coming soon.

That seems to be today, as the Optimus team just announced a plethora of new functions, some of which may have already been on display during the Robotaxi festivities.

First off, the Tesla Bot can now communicate with other Optimus humanoids around it to map an unfamiliar environment, but it can also explore "unseen" spaces all on its own.

The robots are now also able to climb stairs and do some heavy lifting, such as a 25-pound tray full of battery cells.

Perhaps the most interesting new Optimus robot feature, however, is the newfangled ability to leverage artificial intelligence and communicate with people via a neural net that is running in real time on the bots. This will allow it to recognize and fetch various items on command, another step in the direction of acting autonomously as a humanoid butler.

Speaking of autonomy, the Tesla Bot can search for, locate, and plug into the nearest charging station all on its own now, and in unfamiliar surroundings, too.

Tesla's Optimus charging connector is apparently charges on its back, and its rear cameras will now be deployed in the search of charging stations that are nearby.

It is not clear to what extent have some of these features been active during the Robotaxi presentation, as the Optimus bots there apparently walked and danced on their own, but poured drinks at the bar or talked with attendees likely with human assistance.