Elon Musk Launches Tesla Optimus Robot: Your Household Helper for 20-35 Lakhs
- Sara Habib
- October 25, 2024
- 12:03 pm
- 46
- Technology
Imagine having a robot in your home that could mow your lawn, pick up groceries, and even clean your house. At Tesla's "We, Robot" event, CEO Elon Musk presented the Optimus robot, a humanoid designed to handle household tasks. The grand reveal excited many, but there’s more to the story than what was first shown.
Musk introduced the Optimus robot. He also talked about the Cybercab robotaxi and Robovan. But the star was the Optimus robot. Musk called it a groundbreaking invention. He said the robot will cost between 20 to 35 lakhs ($20,000 to $30,000). It could soon be in many homes worldwide.
Is Optimus Really Autonomous?
But, there's a twist. While Musk promised that the robot could perform various tasks, attendees at the event noticed something unusual. When asked if it was fully autonomous, an Optimus robot responded, “Today, I am assisted by a human. I’m not yet fully autonomous.” Tesla employees were spotted near the robots, holding signaling devices, suggesting they were remotely controlling the robots.
The excitement around the Optimus robot had led many to believe it was already fully operational and AI-driven. However, the event revealed that the robots are still in development, with humans assisting them to perform their tasks. This left some wondering just how close we are to fully autonomous robots.
A Future Full of Robots
Despite the robot's current limitations, Elon Musk remains optimistic. He predicts that in just a few years, most households will have an Optimus robot. With a price range of 20 to 35 lakhs, it’s expected to be affordable for many. One analyst believes this will become a standard product in homes within three years.
Tesla's plan to venture into the world of robotics began in 2021. Musk has stated that Optimus could lead Tesla to a massive $25 trillion market capitalization in the future. This would be a significant leap from Tesla's current value of around $700 billion.
Critics Weigh In
Not everyone is convinced about the hype surrounding the Optimus robot. Critics have called the presentation a “parlor trick.” They believe Tesla misled millions of viewers into thinking the robots were fully autonomous, even though they were being controlled by humans at the event.
Many thought Tesla was already delivering fully independent robots, but the reality seems a bit different. This has sparked debates about the progress of AI and robotics, especially with companies like Tesla that are leading the charge in innovative technologies.
The Road Ahead for Tesla
Despite the criticism, Tesla's event has left a mark on the future of robotics. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives called the event “jaw-dropping” and “historical.” He remains confident in Tesla’s ability to deliver advanced robots in the near future.
As with any cutting-edge technology, there’s bound to be a gap between expectations and reality. Optimus may not be fully autonomous yet, but Tesla is certainly pushing boundaries. The event highlighted both the progress and the challenges of building robots that can truly think and act on their own.
The Optimus robot is just the beginning. Tesla continues to develop its robotic technology, aiming to revolutionize everyday life. Whether Optimus becomes a common household helper or not, the journey towards fully autonomous robots is well underway.
The big question remains: How soon will we see a robot like Optimus in our homes, and what will it truly be capable of?
