The Optimus robot (Tesla Bot), one of Elon Musk’s upcoming marvels, is set to redefine the concept of a housemaid robot. Several working units of Optimus were showcased at the event, performing tasks like serving drinks and distributing gift bags to attendees, demonstrating its potential as more than just a household assistant.
Tesla emphasized the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Optimus’ functionality. The AI-driven system allows this housemaid robot to adjust its limbs in real time, ensuring smooth and precise movements during task execution.
Optimus is a two-legged humanoid robot built using advanced inference hardware, enabling it to independently handle a variety of household chores. Elon Musk shared his enthusiasm, stating, “I think everyone among the 8 billion people on Earth will want an Optimus buddy.” Unlike traditional robots on wheels, this housemaid robot is designed to walk autonomously. “The Optimus will walk among you,” Musk said, adding, “You’ll be able to walk right up to them, and they will serve drinks.”
Musk also highlighted how much the project has evolved: “As you can see now, the robot has made dramatic progress from the initial stage when we started with just a robot suit.” He mentioned that the housemaid robot could be priced between $20,000 and $30,000, making it accessible for personal and household use in the near future.
Optimus is designed to assist with a range of everyday tasks like walking the dog, babysitting children, fetching groceries, and more. “Whatever you can think of, it will do,” Musk added, emphasizing the robot’s versatility. He later posted on X, “Optimus robot will revolutionize the world more than ever!”
Attendees compared the atmosphere at the ‘We Robot’ event to that of an iPhone launch, with the excitement of seeing a humanoid robot serving drinks and posing for photos. Tesla has been working on this project for years, first introducing the Tesla Bot in 2021 and revealing Optimus Gen 1 in 2022.
The unveiling of Optimus Gen 2 in December 2023 sparked debate, with some critics questioning whether the robot was truly autonomous or remotely controlled. However, Musk assured the audience that continuous improvements were underway, though he acknowledged that the initial release date of 2026 might be delayed by two years. Despite the doubts, Elon Musk remained confident about Optimus’ eventual success.
During the event, one of the robots showcased its abilities by picking up a glass, positioning it under a tap, pouring a drink, and then posing for a photo with a peace sign—bringing the future of housemaid robots one step closer.
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