The Optimus humanoid robot. TESLA

At Tesla’s recent “We, Robot” event CEO Elon Musk unveiled the company’s latest technological innovations, including the highly anticipated Optimus humanoid robot. Musk described Optimus as a revolutionary product capable of handling everyday human tasks, making it Tesla’s most significant invention yet. Alongside the robot, Tesla also introduced the Robovan and the "Cybercab," a vehicle priced under $30,000 and set to go into production by 2026. During the event on Friday (October 10) at Warner Bros Studios near Los Angeles, Musk emphasized Optimus' potential to transform daily life. He said that the robot could perform tasks such as carrying packages, walking pets, babysitting, and even bartending. “The Optimus will walk amongst you,” Musk remarked, adding that the robot could eventually be affordable for everyone, with a long-term price projected to fall between $20,000 (Dh73,400) and $30,000 (Dh110,100). Optimus' capabilities were showcased in a live demo, where the robots performed basic actions such as waving, holding cups, and handing out small gifts. A video demonstration highlighted its more practical uses, such as retrieving a package from a porch. However, the robots are still in the early stages of development, with Musk noting that 80 percent of the project is complete, and anticipating that Optimus will be commercially available by late 2024. Musk, wearing a leather jacket, addressed the crowd with his trademark enthusiasm, predicting that Tesla would eventually produce millions of Optimus units. He believes that widespread adoption of the robot could dramatically improve economic productivity. “We’ve made a lot of progress with Optimus... If you extrapolate this, we really have something spectacular,” Musk said. Tesla first introduced the Optimus concept in 2021, initially as a performer in a robot suit, and later showcased a working prototype in 2022. The company’s long-term vision sees AI and robotics playing a central role in the future economy, with Musk boldly claiming that Optimus could eliminate poverty by enhancing economic output. Despite the ambitious goals, much remains to be seen regarding Tesla’s ability to deliver on its promises for Optimus. Critics are cautiously optimistic but note that the real test will come when the robots are integrated into real-world applications. ICA/Expat Media
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