- Elon Musk unveils $30,000 Tesla robots for home tasks
- Comparisons made to sci-fi film I, Robot
- Robots aim to replace humans in repetitive jobs
Elon Musk has unveiled an army of $30,000 Tesla Optimus robots designed to assist with home duties, sparking analogies to the grim future described in I, Robot.
In stunning images, the humanoid robots were shown stiffly marching in single file across a platform, leaving observers stunned on the sidelines.
Musk stated that spectators may stroll up to the Optimus robots, which would perform things like offering beverages.
‘At scale, you should be able to purchase an Optimus robot for $20,000 to $30,000,’ he stated.
‘It can walk your dog, mow your lawn, purchase groceries, or simply be your friend.’
The video then shows the human-like bot sitting at a family meal, lying with a toddler, wiping down a kitchen surface, and collecting garbage.
The robot, which is meant for industrial and residential use, premiered at AI Day on September 30 after being revealed in August 2021.
Tesla Bots first aim to replace humans in repetitive, dull, and dangerous tasks. However, according to an essay published in China Cyberspace magazine, Musk envisions them serving millions of households by performing tasks such as cooking, mowing lawns, and caring for older people.
However, after witnessing the video of Musk’s droids, many social media users compare it to the 2004 sci-fi film I, Robot, set in 2035.
Set in Chicago, the action picture depicts brilliant robots occupying public service posts worldwide while adhering to three laws designed to keep people safe.
But a technophobic homicide investigator, Del Spooner of the Chicago Police Department, played by Will Smith, leads the inquiry into the apparent suicide of prominent robotics scientist Dr. Alfred Lanning and remains skeptical about the cause.
Spooner’s investigation into Lanning’s death uncovers a network of secrets and goals within the USR (United States Robotics) corporation, as well as accusations of murder.
But little does he know that his study would lead to the discovery of a more significant threat to humanity.
Several concerned users submitted comments underneath the Musk robot video, comparing the Optimus droids to the movie.
‘Am I the only person who remembers iRobot?’ wrote one X, a former Twitter user.
‘IRobot just became a reality,’ said another.
A third said, “Somebody call Detective Spooner!” I’m getting I, Robot chills.
No, thanks. I saw “I, Robot” again.
A fifth was added: ‘We’ve already seen this movie. Wasn’t it “I, Robot,” starring Will Smith? It does not end nicely.
Musk revealed in 2022 that the android, which will have human-like limbs and characteristics, was intentionally developed in this manner.
‘The Tesla Bot is about the same height and weight as an adult, can carry or pick up heavy objects, and walks quickly in tiny steps. The screen on its face serves as an interactive interface for human communication.
You may ask why we developed this robot with legs. Human society is built around the interaction of a bipedal humanoid with two arms and ten fingers.
‘So, if we want a robot to adapt to its surroundings and do what humans do, it must be roughly the same size, form, and capabilities as a person,’ Musk explained.
The Tesla bot, which will be 5’8″ and weigh 125 pounds, is expected to contain the Autopilot computer found in the company’s electric vehicles. This computer would allow the humanoid to recognize real-world objects, although the robot would have its own customized sensors and actuators.
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It can also ‘deadlift’ up to 150 pounds, carry 45 pounds, walk 5 miles per hour, and have human-like hands with ocular sensors that allow it to ‘ see.’
However, six months ago, the entrepreneur predicted a robot rebellion, claiming AI would outsmart humans by the end of next year.
In an interview with X, the Tesla CEO claimed that AI would be more intelligent than the brightest human within two years.
Within five years, Musk expects that sentient AIs will outnumber humans.
His claims are based on the observation that increasing computing power is being used for AI projects each year.
AI is the most rapidly advancing technology I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot of technology,’ Musk remarked.
‘AI gear and computers that are coming online for AI are rising by a factor of ten per year, if not every 6-9 months.’
