At the much-anticipated We, Robot event, Elon Musk stole the spotlight with two major showcases—the Tesla Cybercab and the advanced Tesla Optimus humanoid robot. The event provided a glimpse into the future of robotics and autonomous vehicles, with Musk making bold claims about the capabilities of both.
Tesla Optimus: The Humanoid of the Future
While the Cybercab was a major focus, it was the Tesla Optimus that captured the audience’s attention. Musk described the robot as capable of performing virtually any task. “Optimus will walk amongst you,” Musk said, emphasizing its ability to interact seamlessly with humans. According to Musk, the robot can walk dogs, babysit children, mow lawns, and even serve drinks. He estimated the long-term price of the robot would range from $20,000 to $30,000, stating, “I believe this will be the most significant product ever created.”
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Optimus is your personal R2D2 / C3PO, but better
It will also transform physical labor in industrial settings pic.twitter.com/iCET3a9pd8
— Tesla (@Tesla) October 11, 2024
First introduced as a concept at Tesla’s AI Day in 2021, Optimus has undergone significant development. In December 2023, Musk introduced the latest version, the Optimus Gen 2. This model features improved speed, better hand movements, and tactile sensors, making it a leap forward from its predecessor, which mainly focused on walking and basic tasks. Musk confidently declared, “I think everyone on Earth will want an Optimus buddy.”
Tesla Cybercab: The Future of Autonomous Transportation
In addition to the humanoid robot, Elon Musk showcased the Tesla Cybercab, a fully autonomous vehicle designed to revolutionize transportation. Unlike traditional cars, the Cybercab does not have steering wheels or pedals. Musk revealed that autonomous Tesla cars should be available in Texas and California by next year, starting with the Model 3 and Model Y. Production for the Cybercab is expected to begin in 2026.
Musk’s vision is clear: both Tesla Optimus and the Cybercab represent a future where automation and robotics play an integral role in everyday life. Whether it’s serving drinks at home or providing affordable, autonomous transportation, Tesla aims to lead the charge into this new era.