# Tesla Optimus demo; Markus Schmidt from Swisslog on the future of warehouse automation

- Show: [The Robot Report Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast)
- Published: 2022-10-04
- Length: 1h 07m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2022-10-04-tesla-optimus-demo-markus-schmidt-from-swisslog-on-the-future-of-warehouse-autom
- Listen: https://soundcloud.com/robot-report-podcast/tesla-optimus-demo-marcus-schmidt-from-swisslog-on-the-future-of-warehouse-automation

## Summary

Steve Crowe and Mike Oitzman discuss the Tesla Optimus bipedal robot unveiled at Tesla AI Days 2022, analyzing its 6-month development, hardware capabilities, and the skepticism surrounding its $20,000 price point and battery life. They contrast this with established players like Agility Robotics and Boston Dynamics, noting that while the hardware is impressive for the timeframe, the software and autonomy remain significant challenges. The episode features an interview with Markus Schmidt, President of Swisslog America, who details the company's role as a systems integrator in warehouse automation, focusing on their partnerships with AutoStore and Berkshire Gray to solve e-grocery micro-fulfillment needs.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2022-10-04-tesla-optimus-demo-markus-schmidt-from-swisslog-on-the-future-of-warehouse-autom#t=7) Introduction: Robot Report Podcast and Event Promo
- [3:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2022-10-04-tesla-optimus-demo-markus-schmidt-from-swisslog-on-the-future-of-warehouse-autom#t=236) Tesla Optimus Unveil: Prototype Analysis and Hype
- [10:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2022-10-04-tesla-optimus-demo-markus-schmidt-from-swisslog-on-the-future-of-warehouse-autom#t=621) Technical Deep Dive: Software, AI, and Cost Skepticism
- [26:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2022-10-04-tesla-optimus-demo-markus-schmidt-from-swisslog-on-the-future-of-warehouse-autom#t=1612) Industry Impact: Public Perception and Competitor Context
- [36:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2022-10-04-tesla-optimus-demo-markus-schmidt-from-swisslog-on-the-future-of-warehouse-autom#t=2210) Interview: Markus Schmidt on Swisslog and Warehouse Automation
- [47:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2022-10-04-tesla-optimus-demo-markus-schmidt-from-swisslog-on-the-future-of-warehouse-autom#t=2873) Micro-Fulfillment Trends: E-Grocery and Supply Chain Shifts
- [1:04:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2022-10-04-tesla-optimus-demo-markus-schmidt-from-swisslog-on-the-future-of-warehouse-autom#t=3865) Conclusion: Final Thoughts and Event Reminder

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies, companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Tesla (company)
- Optimus (product)
- Swisslog (company)
- Agility Robotics (company)
- Boston Dynamics (company)
- AutoStore (product)
- Berkshire Gray (company)
- Cassie (product)
- Digit (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [BONUS: The Future of Intralogistics featuring Siemens' Joel Thomas and Markus Thiel](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-08-04-bonus-the-future-of-intralogistics-featuring-siemens-joel-thomas-and-markus-thie) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [BONUS: Leaders in Robotics, AMRs, and Logistics, Pt. 2 of 2 (brought to you by A3)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2021-11-26-bonus-leaders-in-robotics-amrs-and-logistics-pt-2-of-2-brought-to-you-by-a3) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [244: Automate LIVE 2025: Warehousing Innovations, AI at the Edge, and Interoperability](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-07-04-244-automate-live-2025-warehousing-innovations-ai-at-the-edge-and-interoperabili) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [246: automatica 2025: Exploring Innovation, Robotics, and Startups Across Bavaria, Germany, and Europe](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-07-15-246-automatica-2025-exploring-innovation-robotics-and-startups-across-bavaria-ge) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [191: The State of Robotics: Live From the 2024 Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston, MA](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-06-25-191-the-state-of-robotics-live-from-the-2024-robotics-summit-expo-in-boston-ma) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2022-10-04-tesla-optimus-demo-markus-schmidt-from-swisslog-on-the-future-of-warehouse-autom. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to The Robot Report Podcast.