Optimus Gen 2 vs Phoenix: Specs, Price & ROS Support Compared (2023)
Tesla vs Sanctuary AI — independent, side-by-side analysis.
Quick Verdict
Optimus Gen 2 leads in faster speed, while Phoenix leads in more DOF, higher payload. Overall, Phoenix has an edge in 2 out of 3 compared categories.
Optimus Gen 2
Tesla
Phoenix
Sanctuary AI
DNA Fingerprint Overlay
Optimus Gen 2 Phoenix
Specifications
$20,000–$30,000 target at scale; not for sale, no MSRP. Optimus V3 not unveiled as of Sep 2026; Fremont line being installed, production expected later in 2026 (Q2 2026 update)PriceContact (enterprise). Phoenix Gen 8 still in development; since mid-2026 Sanctuary also sells its Carbon control software on third-party industrial robots
168 cmHeight170 cm
57 kgWeight70 kg
28DOF41
20 kgPayload25 kg
8hRuntime—
2.2 m/sSpeed0.83 m/s
YesStairsYes
NoLiDARNo
Tesla FSD custom SoCComputeCarbon AI system (Microsoft Azure)
Task Capabilities
✓Pick up a box from shelf?
◔Open a door handle?
◔Pour liquid into cup?
◔Use a power tool?
✕Type on keyboard?
✓Climb stairs with load?
◔Walk on uneven terrain?
✕Run (>3 m/s)?
◔Crouch under obstacle?
◔Navigate in crowd?
✓Recognize & locate objects?
◔Respond to voice commands?
✓Detect humans nearby?
✓Work 8-hour shift?
✕Hot-swap battery?
◔Operate 24/7 (with charging)?
✕Work in rain (IP65+)?
?Work below 0°C?
?Work in dusty environment?
◔Work safely alongside humans?
Ecosystem Openness
5
Optimus Gen 2
/100
8
Phoenix
Fully proprietary. No public SDK/API. Closed ecosystem.
Carbon AI fully proprietary. Microsoft Azure backend.
Pros and cons at a glance
Optimus Gen 2
Pros
- Long runtime (8h per charge) for full-shift operation
- 28 degrees of freedom — full-body articulation
Cons
- Still in development, no commercial availability
- Unit price not publicly disclosed (quote-on-request or enterprise-only)
- Closed software stack — no public SDK or ROS support
Phoenix
Pros
- High rated payload (25 kg) for industrial pick-and-place
- 41 degrees of freedom — full-body articulation
Cons
- Still in development, no commercial availability
- Unit price not publicly disclosed (quote-on-request or enterprise-only)
- Closed software stack — no public SDK or ROS support
Frequently asked questions
How do Optimus Gen 2 and Phoenix compare on price?
Optimus Gen 2: $20,000–$30,000 target at scale; not for sale, no MSRP. Optimus V3 not unveiled as of Sep 2026; Fremont line being installed, production expected later in 2026 (Q2 2026 update). Phoenix: Contact (enterprise). Phoenix Gen 8 still in development; since mid-2026 Sanctuary also sells its Carbon control software on third-party industrial robots.
Which has higher payload: Optimus Gen 2 or Phoenix?
Phoenix rates a higher payload at 25 kg vs 20 kg. Payload ratings are vendor claims and do not always include a duty cycle — peak vs sustained payload can differ significantly.
Last updated: 2023