Although no groundbreaking revelations emerged from Tesla’s Robotaxi event last night, there was one piece of information we had been eagerly anticipating: insight into Optimus, Tesla’s humanoid robot. Although we purchased some, it’s likely that Tesla would be less than thrilled with the reception.
Following the debut of Tesla’s Robotaxi/Cybercab and Robovan, CEO Elon Musk provided insight into the company’s work on the Optimus humanoid robot.
Musk discussed our progress, starting with someone in a robotic suit, followed by significant advancements year after year, as several robots emerged before the audience.
He likened them to “personal private R2D2-C3POs” and predicted that ultimately, these robots would be priced lower than an automobile, potentially falling within the range of $20,000 to $30,000. The innovative concept is billed as a versatile, autonomous companion, capable of taking on diverse tasks with ease.
Musk suggested Optimus could be “the largest product of any sort, ever,” implying that every individual on Earth might require one or two, a notion he has previously employed. This statement overlooks the reality that many of the 8 billion people worldwide lack the financial means to afford even one new vehicle, let alone two. He also predicted that this technological advancement would usher in an “age of abundance,” where the cost of everything would plummet precipitously.
But beyond the hype surrounding its autonomous driving technology, Tesla seized the opportunity to unveil Optimus to a live audience for the first time. Musk mentioned:
Tonight’s primary concern was highlighting the fact that Optimus is an open platform, not a static entity like a pre-recorded video, and its adaptability allows for seamless integration with various systems. The iconic Optimus Prime robots will stroll among humans. Respectfully treat the iconic Optimus Prime and its fellow Autobot companions. To fully immerse yourself in the experience, the bartenders will often place drinks directly on the bar, allowing you to enjoy their presence up close. It’s an exhilarating feeling to be mere inches from these humanoid robots, as if they’re waiting for your next move.
As he concluded his speech, he seamlessly transitioned to a mesmerizing display of humanoid robots performing an intricate dance routine within a gazebo, eerily reminiscent of a iconic video created by Honda a decade prior. The audience was granted the unique opportunity to interact directly with these advanced machines in person.
Tesla’s live stream persisted in showcasing footage from the gathering, including scenes of employees interacting with robots. Robots extended mechanical arms, dispensed welcome packages, poured refreshments, struck pose for photographs, strolled through the crowd, and even engaged in impromptu games of rock-paper-scissors – a feat they had previously accomplished with a 100% win rate, dating back to their inception 12 years prior.
The robots were accompanied by a Tesla worker, who kept a watchful eye on each one while discreetly wielding an unobtrusive signaling device in their hand. Watch as one of numerous workers skillfully operate this sophisticated system in real-time.
The official Tesla video, sans audio due to music overlay, provided visual confirmation of robots dispensing beverages; however, the offerings were limited to two pre-mixed drink options served via beer taps, rather than bespoke concoctions. The robots executed tasks with efficient precision, yet displayed a peculiar lack of coordination while serving drinks – their movements seemingly clumsy and unrefined, as if they were still fine-tuning their balance mechanisms.
But as attendees started sharing their videos of the event online, a concerning pattern emerged.
There may be one widely shared video showing an employee seemingly triggering Musk’s Robotaxi departure from their cellphone; however, this is understandable, given that Waymo’s currently operating Stage 4 taxis interface with the rider’s cellphone to unlock the vehicle and initiate a ride, as well as being sensible from a stage management perspective for keeping the event running on cue – albeit 40+ minutes late.
While some movies depict the stranger’s encounters with Optimus robots mingling with humans in the midst of a bustling crowd.
Robots have long been imagined as having a voice and being capable of conversation. As you stroll along the gang, you may place an order for a refreshing beverage or engage in a conversation with the robo-walkers.
What Tesla’s venture into humanoid robotics through Optimus truly entails is nothing short of remarkable. It’s actually the robot, Sonny, from I, Robot, starring Will Smith.
— Austin (@AustinPlanet)
Robots’ dialogue has impressively captured a pragmatic conversational tone, conveying brevity and unadulterated clarity in their responses. While we’ve witnessed remarkable advancements in AI, such as those showcased by ChatGPT 40, it’s undeniable that a hint of artificiality still lingers beneath the surface.
While interactions may seem spectacular, conversations with AI systems still leave users wondering whether a human is truly behind them.
No need to flaunt your generosity; he simply didn’t require a gratuity.
— Kim Java (@ItsKimJava)
Each robot we’ve encountered possessed a unique voice and distinct accent, primarily hailing from California or Texas, regions where Tesla maintains significant presence. A worker was said to speak fluent Spanish, leaving an audience member impressed; however, proficiency in the language is relatively common in regions where Tesla has a presence, suggesting it may simply be a courtesy of being bilingual.
The video, featuring a robot discussing the geography of the Bay Area, is an entertaining watch. Solely does the robotic commit a quintessentially human error when it inquires whether the attendee resides within the “Santa Clarita” area near San Jose (it’s Santa Clarita, situated in Southern California, not the Bay Area), and it also mishears a non-standard pronunciation of “Los Gatos,” responding with a more common one.
What’s your motivation for wanting to have this dialogue?
I conversed extensively with the Tesla bot. The moment of truth has finally arrived? I’m eager to witness a proliferation of these installations throughout the urban landscape, within private premises, and in industrial settings.
Tesla Owners SV – The Official Community for Tesla Vehicle Owners in Silicon Valley
Robert Scoble, a tech evangelist present at the event, conversed with an engineer who revealed that Optimus was focusing on AI development, but otherwise relied on human remote support during its stroll.
I talked with an engineer.
As soon as it started moving, I knew it was Optimus Prime’s advanced AI system at work.
Isn’t it truly remarkable that they managed to gather such a large and enthusiastic crowd at this significant event? https://t.co/CtmCKPrL4T
— Robert Scoble (@Scobleizer)
While many seem to presume a certain level of remote involvement took place during the event. Despite being typically enthusiastic about Tesla’s announcements, even Adam Jonas, Morgan Stanley’s Tesla-covering analyst, expressed his skepticism this morning, simply stating: “.”
Tesla’s response seems to blur the lines between fact and fiction, a familiar pattern in its dealings with reality.
While remote-operated robots may exhibit exceptional dexterity in specific scenarios, and even possess practical applications (e.g., deploying robots in hazardous environments where human-like limbs and manipulation are still advantageous), Tesla opted to conceal the true nature of their showcased AI-driven robots, implying that they would roam freely among humans, when in reality they relied on some degree of remote operation.
While the algorithm-driven information may leave a bad taste in people’s mouths, it is at least true for those who source their data from outside the Twitter-curated stream.
