by Gabrielle DeSantis

Elon Musk recently showcased his plans for the Tesla Bot with the potential for relieving humans of menial tasks and unnecessary labor. While a little robot assistance in the workplace sounds impressive, some wonder if this robot will lead to behind-the-wheel tech. Is it possible that Tesla is on the verge of testing robots driving taxis, forklifts in warehouses, or even delivery services? Are we one step closer to an I, Robot future?

The official introduction of the Tesla Bot

When Elon Musk sets foot on any stage, the world listens. Recently, he garnered attention by announcing Tesla’s plans for a line of robots. The Tesla Bot will be a humanoid figure that uses artificial intelligence to perform designated tasks. This new invention will feature autopilot cameras and a display instead of a human face. Everything else on this Tesla robot will look remarkably human.

Tesla describes its autopilot and A.I. tech, which already exists in its vehicles, as the ongoing development designed to power these new Tesla Bots. Elon Musk says this new robot will be available in prototype form by as early as next year. However, as CNET reported, during this on-stage announcement, all fans caught a glimpse of was a “skinny guy in a onesie” posing as a robot figure.

Driving isn’t the Tesla Bot’s primary function just yet

Elon Musk enthusiastically promoted the Tesla Bot, sharing its primary function to eliminate the need for humans to perform tedious, physical, or dangerous tasks. Ideally, this creation will reduce work-related risks. However, Musk also said boring tasks, like buying groceries, will also be in this new bot’s wheelhouse of capabilities. As of right now, these Tesla Bots will not be able to drive. However, the robotic driver might be on the horizon with Tesla and others for future development.

The Washington Post used an infographic to share some of the Tesla Bot’s potential capabilities and stats. It will stand roughly 5 feet 8 inches tall and be able to carry about 45 pounds. It will be able to deadlift an impressive 150 pounds and an extended arm lift of 10 pounds. Apparently, this new humanoid assistant will also be mild-mannered and easy to overpower or run away from, you know, if you find yourself in a Terminator situation.

Advancements in recent robotic technologies

Robotics companies all over the world are continuing to make significant advancements, much like Tesla. Many of these innovations start by relieving human tasks, like self-governing vacuums. Amazon is exploring package delivery by drone. Malls are exploring robotics solutions for mall security. UBTECH is designing A.I.-powered disinfecting robots, and Samsung continues to develop A.I. household bots.

Analytics India Magazine recently highlighted some of the latest robotics tech consumers can expect to see. Oticon revealed its first A.I.-powered hearing aid, embedded with a neural network. LG introduced the CLOi robot, designed to disinfect surfaces autonomously. Even L’Oreal is getting in on the A.I. movement when it showcased its Rouge Sur Mesure, an A.I.-powered lipstick that can generate new shades at the direction of its holder.

The Tesla Bot may not yet be available as a prototype, so we’ll have to see if Elon Musk delivers on this promise. A humanoid robot is likely on its way to help with heavy lifting, repetitive work tasks, and maybe even a little grocery shopping. While these newly discussed bots won’t have programming for driving capability, they’re moving innovation one step closer to such a reality.

RELATED: Amazon Tesla Autopilot Buddy Accessory Could Lead to Disastrous Accidents

The post Will Tesla Bots Be Able to Drive Cars? appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Creating a supercar like the Acura NSX Type S is a lengthy undertaking. Bugatti didn’t just start the clock on the workday and pump out the Chiron, fully fleshed by the time everyone checked out. Creating any car takes a lot of design iteration, testing, and experimentation before a final product can be presented to the public.

The process is even more involved when it comes to taking an existing car and enhancing it so that it doesn’t ruin what it already was while also making it different from how it started. The process is something that nearly every automotive product team has experienced, but very few are privy to.

With the new NSX Type S announcement, Acura decided to pull the curtain back a bit to reveal some of the internal questions they answered and some of the goals they set out for themselves during the NSX Type S’ development.

The Acura NSX is a good but boring car

The current Acura NSX had a long road (no pun intended) before it arrived at what we see available today. In the early days of the NSX concept, Acura (Honda in Japan) originally planned to give the NSX a V10 engine derived directly from their motorsports efforts. Fans were excited, if not confused, that the Japanese company would produce something so extreme.

Later on, due to an economic downturn, Honda changed their mind and would opt for a V8 engine instead. Acura revealed that a twin-turbo V6 engine with electric motors would be the official powertrain. It was a roller coaster ride of emotions for JDM fans looking forward to the return of the NSX.

When the car finally arrived in 2016, the reaction was mixed. The NSX’s design did little to harken back to the previous generation. The choice to go with a turbocharged engine made the NSX quiet and reserved. The NSX has performance worthy of the name on the road and the track, but the whole package did not inspire some buyers. As a result, the sales of the Acura NSX haven’t been great.

Acura NSX Type S brings much-needed excitement

This generation of the Acura NSX is on its way out. The supercar landscape is changing, and we speculate that the NSX hasn’t met Acura’s expectations. Generally speaking, these conditions are unfavorable, but they are a perfect storm for enthusiasts. When a performance model is reaching the end of its run, that generally means that a brand’s internal engineering teams are given more freedom to do some of the things they weren’t allowed to do during the initial development phase. Specifically when it comes to performance.

The Acura NSX Type S is a portrait of what would have been presented in 2016 if the brand gave the production team a little more breathing room. The 600 horsepower 2022 Acura NSX Type S has a much more aggressive aerodynamic package and hard-edged motorsport-inspired styling.

Acura NSX Type S development story

In a new video, the team behind the Acura NSX Type S explains the story of the car’s development and what they wanted to achieve before this generation of the NSX takes a bow.

There are some interesting tidbits to take away from the short film, including the fact that there seems to have been significant emphasis on ensuring the driver can hear the raw engine much more clearly, which was a common criticism with the base NSX.

The video also hints that the next NSX may rely even more on electrification or perhaps be a 100% EV supercar.

Only 350 NSX Type S supercars will be produced, so they will likely all be gone by the time you read this. However, it is interesting to see how Acura arrived at this beastly variant of their halo car before this generation goes away.

RELATED: Why Shouldn’t You Buy a Used 2017 Acura NSX?

The post Acura NSX Type S: The Design Story appeared first on MotorBiscuit.