Optimus Robot Serving Drinks, Dancing at Tesla’s recent robotaxi event held at Warner Bros. movie studio in Hollywood captured the imagination of attendees and the internet alike, not just because of the anticipated reveal of Tesla’s autonomous vehicles but due to the starring role of Optimus, the company’s humanoid robot.
The event showcased the Cybercab and Robovan, Tesla’s latest autonomous vehicles, but the spotlight quickly shifted to the Optimus robots as they mingled with guests, served drinks, danced, and posed for selfies, offering a glimpse of the future Tesla envisions. This marks another step in Tesla’s evolution, one where humanoid robots play an active role in everyday life.
A Robot Bartender and More
One of the highlights of the evening was seeing Tesla’s Optimus robots take on the role of bartenders. Dressed in bartender uniforms, these robots impressed attendees by serving drinks with precision and ease. It wasn’t just a matter of showmanship—these robots actively interacted with guests, handing out desserts and posing for selfies.
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In an event full of high-tech demonstrations, the interaction between man and machine was a tangible sign of what could be the future of social events, workspaces, and even homes.
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The robots’ ability to handle these tasks wasn’t entirely unexpected, considering Tesla has been gradually increasing their capabilities. Optimus robots have been seen performing activities such as yoga stretches, squatting, and handling fragile objects like eggs.
But witnessing them serve drinks at a live event without any mishaps or glitches solidified their progress. Tesla investor Matthew Donegan-Ryan, who attended the event, confirmed this by sharing his personal experience of watching the robots interact smoothly with guests.
This feature of the robots not only captivated the audience but also demonstrated how human-like interactions with robots are gradually becoming normal. The sight of humanoid robots as part of everyday life no longer feels like science fiction but a near reality.
Dancing Robots Steal the Show
As if their bartending skills weren’t enough, Tesla’s Optimus robots ended the event by dancing on a lit-up stage, much to the delight of the audience.
This choreographed performance took a nod from Tesla’s initial unveiling of the robot back in 2021, where a man in a skintight bodysuit imitated a dancing robot onstage.
Optimus just made me a drink pic.twitter.com/Pn9hfhrFDi
— Whole Mars Catalog (@WholeMarsBlog) October 11, 2024
However, this time, there were no humans in disguise—just real, functional humanoid robots. The significance of this spectacle wasn’t just in the entertainment value but in what it represents.
Dancing, a complex activity that requires balance, coordination, and rhythm, is a challenging task for robots. Tesla’s demonstration of dancing robots underscored the advancements in its artificial intelligence and robotics technology.
The robots were not performing a pre-recorded, canned video performance but instead were interacting live with their surroundings and responding accordingly.
Elon Musk, during his presentation, emphasized this point, saying, “One of the things we wanted to show tonight was that Optimus is not a canned video, it’s not walled off.” The real-time demonstration of the robots moving gracefully across the stage added a layer of authenticity and excitement to the event.
Musk’s lighthearted comment—”Please be nice to the Optimus robots”—gave a human touch to the interaction between man and machine, reinforcing the idea that humanoid robots will soon walk among us.
The Future of Tesla’s Humanoid Robots
Tesla has been gradually revealing more of its plans for the Optimus robots, and the Hollywood event was another step in showcasing their potential. Although Tesla’s primary focus in recent years has been on electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions, the company’s robotics program, spearheaded by Optimus, shows their intention to move into the humanoid robot market.
the @Tesla optimus robot is so cool, but that’s obviously software engineers dancing 😂 pic.twitter.com/d1otKXkjHb
— Lika 🍊 (@likamiao) October 11, 2024
Musk mentioned at the event that Optimus robots will eventually be available for sale, estimating that their price range would be between $20,000 and $30,000. This ambitious price point indicates Tesla’s intention to make these robots more accessible, potentially positioning them for mass-market adoption.
Tesla has not specified a concrete timeline for when the robots will be available to consumers, though Musk has hinted that external sales could start as early as the end of next year. Given the rapid advancements in the robot’s capabilities and Tesla’s reputation for innovation, it wouldn’t be surprising if this timeline is met.
If the Optimus robot does enter the market at that price, it could revolutionize industries beyond social interactions—ranging from manufacturing and caregiving to entertainment and education.
Musk’s vision for Optimus goes beyond being a novelty or a party trick at high-profile events. His statements imply that Tesla sees these robots eventually becoming an integral part of the workforce, performing dangerous or repetitive tasks that humans currently undertake.
By doing so, the Optimus robots could contribute to increasing efficiency and safety across a wide range of industries. The fact that they can already perform simple tasks such as serving drinks suggests that more complex, labor-intensive tasks are well within reach in the near future.
Moreover, Tesla’s robotics program is closely aligned with its broader vision of sustainability and automation. As Tesla continues to push the boundaries of self-driving technology, the integration of humanoid robots like Optimus into society could work in tandem with autonomous vehicles to reshape transportation, manufacturing, and daily life.
Musk’s decision to unveil the robots at an event focused on autonomous vehicles was no coincidence—it’s clear that Tesla is positioning itself as a leader not just in electric vehicles but in the future of robotics and AI.
The event in Hollywood was not only a celebration of Tesla’s progress but also a glimpse into the company’s bold ambitions. As the Optimus robots danced on stage, poured drinks, and mingled with guests, it became evident that the future Tesla is working towards involves robots playing an active role in our lives.
The company has already made significant strides in advancing AI and robotics, and if the Hollywood robotaxi event is any indication, Tesla is well on its way to making humanoid robots a mainstream reality.
With each demonstration of the Optimus robot, Tesla inches closer to a future where robots are not just tools but companions and co-workers, capable of handling tasks with precision, interacting socially, and even dancing at parties. The implications of this technology are vast and far-reaching, and it seems that Tesla’s journey is only just beginning.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏