In a surprising twist, Tesla is on the hunt for individuals to take on an unusual yet intriguing role: helping to train their humanoid robot, Optimus. According to LinkedIn data, the company has been actively hiring dozens of employees over the past year for this specialized task, which involves using motion capture suits to teach the robot how to move.
These “Data Collection Operators” are being offered up to $48 an hour for what might seem like a straightforward job—standing up, sitting down, and walking around for over seven hours a day. However, it’s far from ordinary. Employees must wear a hefty 13.6 kg motion capture suit and virtual reality (VR) goggles while performing their tasks.
Tesla’s job description for this position is precise: candidates are expected to walk along test routes and carry out specific assignments, all while clad in the motion capture suit and VR goggles. After the data is collected, the operators must analyze the information, write daily reports, and handle minor tasks related to their equipment and software.
Interestingly, Tesla has strict requirements for this role, particularly regarding the height of applicants—they must be between 1.7 and 1.8 meters tall, mirroring the height of the Optimus robot. Candidates should also be comfortable wearing the motion capture suit and VR goggles for extended periods, and be able to tolerate some disorientation or “VR sickness.”
This full-time role offers a salary ranging from $25.25 to $48 per hour, meaning successful candidates could earn up to $350 a day. Garg, a researcher and professor specializing in robotics at Nvidia, estimates that Tesla will need to record hundreds of thousands to millions of hours of data to effectively train Optimus to work in Tesla’s factories.
This position is not just about physical stamina but also plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Tesla’s robotic workforce, making it a fascinating opportunity for those interested in cutting-edge technology.
