Tesla Debuts Optimus Humanoid Robot: Elon Musk Claims It Will Revolutionize Everyday Life Tasks, Pricing Revealed
3 min read
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In a groundbreaking reveal at Tesla’s highly anticipated ‘We, Robot’ event, CEO Elon Musk showcased two of the company’s latest innovations: the Optimus humanoid robot and the futuristic Robovan. Tesla envisions Optimus, their new humanoid robot, as an integral part of everyday life, capable of performing a wide array of human tasks.
During the presentation, a group of Optimus robots appeared on stage, highlighting Tesla’s ambitious push to integrate robotics into households and businesses. According to Musk, the Optimus robot is designed to handle various tasks such as carrying packages, walking pets, babysitting, and even bartending. He also mentioned that Tesla expects the long-term price of Optimus to be between $20,000 and $30,000.
Elon Musk unveils Tesla’s Optimus robots:
— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 11, 2024
“It can be a teacher, babysit your kids, walk your dog […] Whatever you can think of”
pic.twitter.com/AuHCbWjZZk
“The Optimus will walk amongst you,” Musk said, emphasizing the robot’s versatile nature, stating it could “do anything.” A video demonstration provided a glimpse of Optimus’s future capabilities, showing the robot retrieving a package from a porch. While the presentation aimed to impress, the robots themselves performed relatively simple tasks onstage, including waving, holding cups, and handing out small gift bags. At one point, one of the robots engaged with the audience in a game of rock-paper-scissors, while others danced inside a gazebo in a choreographed display.
Despite the modest showcase, Musk made bold predictions about Optimus’s potential, claiming it could become “the biggest product ever created.” He projected that millions of units would eventually be manufactured, with widespread adoption driving economic growth by “two orders of magnitude” and helping usher in “a future where there is no poverty.”
Tesla’s Humanoid Optimus robot can talk! pic.twitter.com/n5ffkzRvNx
— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) October 11, 2024
Tesla’s Optimus Robot: A Fast-Evolving Project
The Optimus project, originally introduced by Tesla in 2021, has progressed rapidly. What began as a performer in a robot suit has since evolved into a legitimate effort to create a fully functional humanoid robot. A rudimentary prototype was introduced in 2022, but Musk promised Optimus would be able to perform practical tasks by the end of 2023, with full commercial availability projected for late 2024.
One of the most significant moments in Optimus’s development occurred earlier this year, when Musk posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) showcasing the robot folding shirts. In the video, Optimus demonstrated its ability to pick up and neatly fold a shirt—an impressive step toward mastering more complex tasks. This was followed by another video showing Optimus walking with a human-like gait, a development that sparked both excitement and some unease.
The latest version of Optimus, dubbed Gen 2, was revealed in December 2023 and included several notable upgrades. Unlike its predecessor, the Gen 2 model can walk faster, has improved hand movements, and features tactile sensors on its fingers, making it more adept at performing intricate tasks. Musk describes this version of Optimus as having “virtually limitless” capabilities, from walking your dog and mowing the lawn to serving drinks at parties.
Tesla’s vision for Optimus reflects the company’s broader ambitions in artificial intelligence and robotics. Musk believes that robots like Optimus could have a profound societal impact, not only by improving efficiency in homes and workplaces but also by boosting the economy and addressing poverty on a global scale. “I believe everyone on Earth will want an Optimus buddy,” Musk boldly claimed.
At the ‘We, Robot’ event, Musk also reintroduced the Tesla Cybercab, a fully autonomous vehicle without traditional controls like steering wheels and pedals. The Cybercab, he predicted, would revolutionize transportation by being more affordable than public transit, with production expected to start by 2026.
As Tesla pushes forward with its vision of a robotic future, the Optimus humanoid represents a crucial piece of Musk’s plan to transform the way we live and work. Although it’s still in development, Optimus’s unveiling has sparked widespread interest and excitement, making it clear that Tesla intends to lead the charge in shaping the future of robotics.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
