Tesla's Optimus: Behind the Scenes of Remote Control and Future Autonomy
Recent reports have surfaced claiming that Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus, showcased at the "WE, ROBOT" event, was partially controlled remotely during the presentation. The claims suggest that Tesla aimed to better highlight the robot's capabilities by using remote supervision, especially during interactions such as pouring drinks and playing games with attendees. This revelation raises questions about the robot's autonomous abilities, although Tesla has emphasized that Optimus can perform complex tasks independently, such as walking autonomously using AI technology.
During the unveiling, Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, confidently stated that the Optimus could potentially become one of the company's most significant products. He envisions a future where these robots would assist with mundane and repetitive tasks at home, like grocery shopping, lawn mowing, and various household chores. Despite initial skepticism about its level of autonomy, Musk promised advancements that would eventually allow the robot to perform tasks without external assistance.
Additional reports suggest that some of the interactions at the event, such as Optimus taking on a bartender role, hinted at human intervention. Observations from attendees and analysis of demonstration videos further suggest that certain actions may not yet be fully autonomous, as evidenced by glimpses of potential off-screen human aid.
While Musk refrained from discussing the extent of remote control during the event, he remains optimistic about the broader implications of deploying robots like Optimus. With projected costs between $20,000 to $30,000, he anticipates these robots could become common in households, eventually decreasing in price and becoming more accessible than many current consumer goods.
As Tesla continues to refine Optimus, the focus remains on overcoming challenges related to its autonomous capabilities. Musk's long-term goal is clear: to integrate these robots into everyday life to enhance convenience and safety, replacing humans in menial and hazardous tasks, and ultimately revolutionizing the way we approach domestic and industrial work.