Will Tesla’s Optimus Robot Change the Future, or Put Us in Danger?
WCTU — Tesla’s latest event, "We, Robot," held on October 10, left attendees both impressed and curious, as the company revealed a range of futuristic products, including the highly anticipated Cybercab robotaxi and the humanoid robot Optimus. CEO Elon Musk introduced these innovations with a mix of bold promises and playful interactions. While the event showcased Tesla’s potential to transform both transportation and robotics, some left with questions about the timeline and practicality of Musk’s grand vision.
The spotlight was initially on the Cybercab, a sleek, futuristic vehicle featuring gull-wing doors and no steering wheel or pedals. Tesla plans to launch it in 2026 at a price under $30,000. "We expect the cost to be as low as 20 cents per mile over time," Musk said, adding that it will rely solely on AI and cameras, avoiding the expensive lidar technology used by rivals like Waymo. The Cybercab is designed for fully autonomous driving, although no clear timeline was given for its mass production or when it would be road-ready.
The event took an unexpected turn when a group of Tesla’s humanoid Optimus robots walked into the crowd during the Robovan reveal. These robots performed basic tasks like waving, handing out gift bags, and even playing rock-paper-scissors with attendees. Musk, who first introduced the concept of Optimus in 2021, claimed it could revolutionize daily life, with long-term pricing projected between $20,000 and $30,000. He described the Optimus bot as a multi-functional companion capable of doing "anything," from walking the dog to babysitting children. "The Optimus will walk amongst you," Musk said. "You’ll be able to walk right up to them, and they will serve drinks."
However, some analysts were quick to point out gaps in the presentation. While Optimus performed entertaining functions like serving drinks and even joining in a synchronized dance, the robot has yet to demonstrate the practical utility that Musk promises. Equity trader Dennis Dick from Triple D Trading expressed skepticism: "I'm a shareholder and pretty disappointed. I think the market wanted more definitive timelines."
Musk also reiterated that Optimus, unlike earlier prototypes, would soon begin performing "useful tasks" and could be available for external sales by the end of next year. However, industry experts remain cautious about the ambitious claims. Tesla has faced challenges in meeting previous timelines, particularly with its autonomous driving technology, which has been involved in legal scrutiny and fatal accidents. “Ensuring safety and reliability, particularly in unpredictable environments like inclement weather or crowded streets, remains a major hurdle for all robotaxi developers,” said a statement from Reuters following the event.
For Optimus, Musk has also framed it as part of a broader societal vision. He boldly predicted that the robot would lead to "two orders of magnitude" improvement in economic output and could be produced in "millions of units" in the future. Musk even ventured to say that the robot's widespread use could usher in "a future where there is no poverty." While these statements were met with applause, the practicality of such a wide-reaching impact remains to be seen.
Despite the skepticism, the fanfare surrounding Optimus has captivated audiences, particularly due to its ability to converse fluidly and engage in light-hearted interactions. In one particularly memorable moment during the event, Optimus responded to an interviewer’s question about the hardest part of being a robot: "Trying to learn how to be as human as you guys are." The bot’s social capabilities, including the ability to recognize gestures, use sign language, and even take part in games, suggest it could be a versatile assistant in both homes and workplaces.
Critics, however, have pointed out that some of Optimus’s tasks, such as watering plants and carrying packages, are still relatively simple compared to what Musk envisions. The robots’ movements, though precise, still appeared limited to pre-programmed gestures, and some were quick to note that the technology displayed at the event may not fully reflect the final product.
Musk’s presentation also included a more light-hearted demonstration where a group of four Optimus robots performed a synchronized dance routine, illustrating Tesla’s advancements in robotics mobility and motor control. While this element provided entertainment, it also highlighted the potential for Optimus to perform in high-coordination settings, such as automated manufacturing or warehouse operations.
Jessica Caldwell, head of research at car-buying website Edmunds, summarized the event succinctly: "Musk did a fantastic job of painting an ideal future for transportation that promises to both free up our time and increase safety. But many questions remain about how this will be achieved from a practical standpoint."
As Tesla prepares to launch Optimus into households, workplaces, and even hospitality settings, the question remains: Will these robots deliver on the sweeping promises made by Musk, or will the road to widespread adoption be longer and more challenging than anticipated?
