How Tesla's Drink-Serving, Happy Birthday-Singing Robots Were 'Not Machines'
During Tesla's 'We, Robot' event, CEO Elon Musk showcased Optimus, a humanoid robot designed to serve drinks and play games. However, attendee Robert Scoble disclosed that the robots were actually remote-controlled by humans rather than being fully autonomous
Elon Musk Event
Elon Musk hosted a Hollywood event Thursday night to unveil Tesla's highly anticipated Robotaxi, but it was the bartending Optimus robot that truly captivated the audience. Standing behind a small bar, the nearly six-foot-tall humanoid, dressed in a cowboy hat, bowtie, and suspenders, poured drinks for amazed attendees, albeit with assistance from a nearby human operator.
While attendees were impressed that Optimus didn't request tips like a typical bartender, some criticised it as a "well-designed puppet." The event, titled "We, Robot," also showcased Tesla's driverless Robotaxi, a futuristic vehicle designed without a steering wheel, pedals, or rear windows, expected to become a popular ride-sharing option by 2027.
Despite the excitement surrounding the Optimus bartender, some observers on social media expressed scepticism, pointing out that it was teleoperated rather than autonomous. Musk allowed some robots to interact freely with guests, demonstrating their conversational abilities and even engaging in games like rock-paper-scissors.
Musk emphasised that the Optimus robots could eventually perform various tasks, from walking dogs to cooking, positioning them as replacements for repetitive or dangerous jobs. However, social media users drew comparisons to the 2004 film ‘I, Robot’, voicing concerns about the implications of humanoid robots in society.
Musk described the design philosophy behind the Optimus robots, stating that they are modelled to closely resemble humans in size and function to better integrate into human environments.
On Thursday night, Elon Musk revealed a prototype of Tesla's Robovan. The Robovan is an electric, autonomous vehicle approximately the size of a bus, designed for transporting people in high-density areas. According to Musk, it can carry up to 20 passengers at once and is also capable of transporting goods.
The Robovan boasts a retro-futuristic design reminiscent of a bus from The Jetsons blended with a 1950s toaster. It features silver metallic sides accented with black details and illuminated strips running horizontally along its body, complemented by sliding doors that open from the centre. The interior includes seating and space to stand, with tinted windows throughout. Notably, there is no steering wheel, as the vehicle is fully autonomous.
During Thursday's event, Musk did not share any plans for constructing new production facilities or retooling existing ones to support the Cybercab or the Robovan. He also offered limited information regarding timelines for the Robovan, although he did predict that production for the Cybercab would begin in 2026 or 2027.
