NAIROBI, Kenya- At Elon Musk’s flashy “Cybercab” event, Tesla’s Optimus robots served fruity cocktails and danced to techno beats, stealing the spotlight from the other reveals.
But, in a surprising twist, these nearly six-foot-tall humanoids weren’t quite as autonomous as they appeared.
According to a Bloomberg report, much of their dazzling performance was orchestrated by humans operating the bots via remote control.
The revelation has left fans and investors wondering just how close we really are to seeing fully autonomous robots doing household chores. Here’s what went down at the event — and why experts say we may still be years away from a fully independent Optimus.
Musk’s Cybercab event wasn’t just about futuristic taxis; it was also the public’s first hands-on experience with Tesla’s Optimus robots.
These faceless, robotic bartenders mingled with guests, serving drinks and striking up conversations. However, while their movements seemed smooth, much of the magic was thanks to behind-the-scenes human operators, as reported by insiders.
A video posted on social media shows one of the Optimus bots confessing to a partygoer: “Today, I’m assisted by a human. I’m not yet fully autonomous.”
Despite this, Musk touted the bots as revolutionary, saying Optimus could eventually do everything from mowing the lawn to walking your dog. He even predicted a price tag between $20,000 and $30,000, claiming the robots would cost less than a car.
But the reality of how far the technology has come? It’s not as advanced as some might have hoped. The bots are still learning to walk independently.
If there’s one thing Musk is known for, it’s his ambitious timelines. Earlier this year, he teased that Tesla could begin selling humanoid robots by the end of 2024. But following the event, the revelation that Optimus relied on human assistance left many skeptical.
After all, it’s not the first time Musk’s promises have fallen short. In 2021, he famously introduced the “Tesla Bot,” only for a man in a robot suit to dance across the stage. A year later, the first Optimus prototype needed a stand to stay upright.
While Musk didn’t discuss the limitations of Optimus during the event, many experts predict the robot will first prove its usefulness in controlled environments like factories and warehouses before it’s ready for households.
In fact, most AI experts expect it could take up to a decade before we see these robots in full swing at home.
