Elon Musk showcased several humanoid robots, named “Optimus,” at Tesla’s ‘We Robot’ event in California on Thursday. These robots were seen walking, serving drinks, and handing out gift bags, demonstrating their growing capabilities. Musk explained that Optimus robots are designed to handle menial tasks and could eventually become companions or offer friendship.
“The Optimus will walk among you,” Musk stated, adding, “You’ll be able to walk right up to them, and they will serve drinks.” Optimus will be capable of walking your dog, babysitting your kids, fetching groceries, mowing your lawn, said Tesla CEO Elon Musk while introducing the latest launch.
“It will basically do anything you want. It can be a teacher, Elon Musk added.
During the event, Musk showcased a demo video featuring Optimus humanoid robots performing household tasks like picking up packages, watering plants, cleaning kitchen surfaces, unloading groceries, and even interacting with children. Musk requested people to be nice to them. “You will be able to walk right up to them and they will serve drinks at the bar. It’s a wild experience just to have humanoid robots. They are there, just in front of you.”
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 11, 2024
Musk also revealed that Optimus robots would eventually cost between USD 20,000 and USD 30,000, making them relatively affordable in the long term for tasks ranging from menial chores to potentially offering companionship.
“I think everyone among the 8 billion people on Earth will want an Optimus buddy.” “Optimus robot will revolutionise the world more than ever!” Musk said in a post on X.
Tesla first revealed the concept of the Tesla Optimus, also known as the Tesla Bot in 2021. The current unveiling follows Musk’s introduction of the Optimus Gen 2 in December 2023. This updated version features significant enhancements over its predecessor, which was primarily designed for walking and talking.
Social media users showered praises on Elon Musk for unveiling Optimus with many calling it “epic” and “insane”.
Some users raised eyebrows at Optimus’s interacting skill. An X user wrote, “Is it really optimus talking? Kinda feeling there’s a human behind it.”
This is INSANE
Elon Musk introduces the Optimus robot.. it can talk, dance, pour you a drink and do whatever you want them to.#ElonMusk #Optimus pic.twitter.com/ZI2ZY221wc
— Jyoti Budania (@BudaniaJyoti) October 11, 2024
Another said, “The ones mingling and serving drinks were remotely operated but still really impressive.”
“Optimus just poured a drink and didn’t ask for a 25% tip on an iPad. Just put $10M more into Tesla stock.”
Optimus just poured a drink and didn’t ask for a 25% tip on an iPad.
Just put $10M more into Tesla stock
— Chris Bakke (@ChrisJBakke) October 11, 2024
At Tesla’s ‘We Robot’ event, Elon Musk unveiled more of the company’s future plans, including an ambitious robotaxi set for release by 2027. This fully autonomous vehicle, designed without a steering wheel or pedals, will depend entirely on artificial intelligence. Musk emphasized that the robotaxi would be “10 to 20 times safer” than human-driven cars and priced under $30,000. Additionally, Tesla introduced the “Robovan,” a larger autonomous vehicle capable of transporting up to 20 passengers, showcasing the company’s growing focus on robotics and AI-driven transportation solutions.
