Elon Musk unveils Tesla’s Optimus bot at Cybercab event

Elon Musk’s latest innovation in self-driving vehicles includes a new robotaxi called Cybercab and a Robovan. While the futuristic autonomous vehicles stole the spotlight, Tesla surprised everyone with a bunch of humanoid robots called Optimus, who walked before the Robovan appeared on the stage. According to the company, Optimus robots will help humans do daily chores and run errands on their behalf, like fetching a glass of water or a package from the doorstep. However, their current abilities, as seen on the stage during the event and in videos posted by attendees, appear limited.

During the event, Musk said Optimus can “do anything” while describing the humanoid robot. “The Optimus will walk amongst you. You’ll be able to walk right up to them, and they will serve drinks,” he said, citing examples such as walking the dog, babysitting kids, mowing the lawn, and serving drinks. According to Tesla’s CEO, Optimus will cost users $20,000 to $30,000 in the long term. “I think this will be the biggest product ever of any kind,” Musk said.

But Musk’s claims about what Optimus can do look slightly far-fetched based on interactions people at the event had with the humanoid robot. Optimus robots were seen waving at guests and greeting them in Astro Bot style. And while they were available at a drink bar, they were not doing much other than holding a cup of ice or handing over small bags. Interestingly, the humanoid robots at a different table were seen playing rock-paper-scissors with guests.

Optimus is a more advanced version of the Gen 2 bot Musk revealed last year. Although the bot offers limited functionalities currently, Musk had said during the April earnings call that it will gain the ability to perform “useful tasks” by the year-end, while its commercial availability may begin by the end of next year. According to Musk, Optimus will be a part of a “fundamental transformation for civilisation,” and allow for “a future where there is no poverty.” Tesla’s Optimus bot will cost roughly $20,000.