Tesla's Optimus Robot Impresses at Event Hosted by Elon Musk

Elon Musk hosted a recent event in Hollywood to showcase Tesla's much-anticipated Robotaxi. However, it was the entertaining bartending robot, Optimus, that captured everyone's attention.

The Optimus robot, standing nearly six feet tall, sported a charming outfit complete with a cowboy hat, bowtie, and suspenders. Positioned behind a small bar, this robot amazed the audience by pouring drinks for eager guests.

While Optimus served beverages using clear, blue glasses and pulled from a drink tap, a nearby human operator assisted it. Many attendees expressed their amazement at the robot's skills, noting that unlike typical bartenders, Optimus did not request tips through an app.

Some guests, like investor Chris Bakke, humorously remarked about the experience, saying, "Optimus just poured a drink and didn't ask for a 25 percent tip on an iPad. Just put $10M more into Tesla stock." However, reactions on social media were mixed, with some users questioning the authenticity of the robot's abilities. One user commented, "If Optimus was being tele-operated, that is a super sketch way of presenting it."

The event, known as 'We, Robot,' featured Tesla's driverless Robotaxi—a futuristic vehicle devoid of traditional steering wheels and pedals. This innovative car, designed to seat two passengers, was first spotlighted by Musk five years ago. The company aims to make this driverless fleet available for ride-sharing by 2027.

Optimus: The Star of the Show

Even as attendees were intrigued by the Robotaxi, it was the Optimus bartender that drew significant attention. Guests were thrilled when they discovered the bar tucked away at the event. Many crowded around, fascinated by the robot's mixology skills.

Optimus not only poured drinks but also engaged in conversations with guests. In one instance, a man named Tony asked the robot about its day, to which Optimus replied, "I am doing good," and expressed appreciation for meeting him. When Tony inquired if Optimus could play basketball, the robot humorously responded, "Hmmm, maybe one day." Tony then offered to teach it how to play, leading to a friendly exchange.

In a separate demonstration, another Optimus robot entertained guests by playing rock-paper-scissors against a human competitor. These interactions made the event lively and showcased the robots' capabilities beyond just serving drinks.

The Future of Robotics

Musk took the opportunity to present Optimus as a game-changer in robotics, suggesting that it could potentially retail between $28,000 and $30,000. At the event, he claimed, "Whatever you can think of, it will do. It can walk your dog, mow your lawn, get the groceries, just be your friend." The aim of the Optimus robots is to take over repetitive and mundane tasks in both industrial and domestic settings.

Optimus was revealed earlier during AI Day and is intended to alleviate people from boring and dangerous jobs. Musk envisions a future where these robots assist millions of households by performing activities like cooking and caring for the elderly.

Despite the enthusiasm, many social media users drew unsettling parallels to the sci-fi movie "I, Robot," known for its depiction of intelligent robots in public service roles under strict rules. Comments on social media reflected this concern, with one person writing, "Am I the only one who remembers iRobot?" Another commented, "iRobot just became reality." These reactions illustrated the mixed feelings surrounding advanced robotics in today’s world.

In his previous statements, Musk explained that the robot is designed to mimic human height, weight, and capabilities to adapt effectively to human environments. The development of Optimus marks a significant step towards more advanced and interactive robotic technologies, with the potential to change various aspects of daily life.

robot, event, technology