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Tesla’s Optimus robots dance at an unveiling event in Los Angeles, California, U.S. October 10, 2024, in this still image taken from a video. Tesla/Handout via (Reuters)
Musk touted “a lot of progress” made with its humanoid robot “Optimus” that could eventually be priced at $20,000 to $30,000 and which can perform many daily tasks
Straight out of a science fiction novel, tech billionaire Elon Musk has unveiled a humanoid robot named “Optimus.” In the not-so-distant future, Musk vows Optimus could serve as a friend and an assistant, helping humans perform daily tasks, from walking dogs to babysitting kids.
At the Cybercab event where Musk showcased this robot on Thursday, the Tesla CEO touted that “a lot of progress” has been made with its robot “Optimus” which could eventually be priced at $20,000 to $30,000. “The Optimus will walk amongst you,” Tesla CEO Musk said during the event. “You’ll be able to walk right up to them, and they will serve drinks.”
Humanoid Robot ‘Can Do Anything’
The event – titled “We, Robot” in an apparent nod to the “I, Robot” science-fiction short stories by American writer Isaac Asimov – echoed Musk’s comment that Tesla “should be thought of as an AI robotics company” rather than an automaker.
At a glitzy unveiling, Musk explained that the company’s new 5’8″ robot can basically “do anything” and mentioned examples like walking your dog, babysitting your kids and mowing your lawn. “I think this will be the biggest product ever of any kind,” Musk said. “I think everyone is going to want their Optimus buddy, maybe two.”
During the event, Musk also gave a preview of the robot, which the company plans on selling in 2026, at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, according to The Wrap. In a video released on X, Optimus was seen doing daily human tasks like bringing in a package from the porch and watering your plants.
Robotaxi
Besides the robot, Musk on Thursday showcased a long-awaited robotaxi with two gull-wing doors and no steering wheel or pedals and surprised with Robovan. During the event, Musk reached the stage in a “Cybercab”, set to be produced from 2026, eventually in high volume and priced under $30,000.
He then introduced the robovan which can carry up to 20 people though offered few further details. Musk, who has a record of missing projections – and himself said he tended to be optimistic with time frames – did not say how quickly Tesla could ramp up the production of robotaxi.
Musk, wearing a leather jacket and addressing crowds at the Warner Bros studio near Los Angeles, said autonomous cars could be 10 times safer than humans and drive five to 10 times longer. “The autonomous future is here,” Musk said. “With autonomy, you get your time back.”
(With agency inputs)
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