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A hot potato: Tesla's splashy "We, Robot" event generated excitement among enthusiasts, but it also highlighted the complexities involved in developing truly autonomous robots and vehicles. The Cybercab is facing regulatory challenges before it becomes mainstream. As for the Optimus robots seen at the show, they were controlled by humans.
Tesla's "We, Robot" event showcased the company's latest advancements in autonomous technology, but the stars of the afterparty were the Optimus robots, which mingled with guests, served drinks, and even danced. However, if you were curious about the progress of these robots, this event was not the right venue to find answers. As it turned out, they were actually controlled by humans behind the scenes.
Robert Scoble, an AI enthusiast present at the event, initially shared videos of the robots in action. However, he later revealed that the robots were being "remote assisted" by humans. This information came to light when Scoble had a conversation with one of the robot operators.
I asked. pic.twitter.com/FkgPrdRlyW
– Robert Scoble (@Scobleizer) October 11, 2024
There were several signs suggesting that a human was in control of the robots. Each Optimus had a distinct voice, and its responses were immediate and accompanied by matching gestures. These characteristics are not typical of current AI technology, which often has a delay in processing and responding to complex, real-time interactions.
In one revealing interaction, when asked about the level of AI involvement, an Optimus robot (or rather, its human operator) responded, "Today, I am assisted by a human." The voice even stumbled over the word "autonomous," which is not something a true robot would do.
Optimus appears to be remotely controlled... for now! pic.twitter.com/L89fz8cnOM
– The Kilowatts �-â¡ï¸Â (@klwtts) October 11, 2024
Despite the use of human operators, many attendees did not express disappointment or feel misled. The event seemed to be more of a showcase of potential future capabilities rather than a demonstration of current technology.
Some are it's easy to tell. The bar ones were not and much more robotic. The virtual presence still has big use implications for dangerous missions like fires and mars. It was crowded but fun night.
– Exit Liquidity (@TheRealAndyHere) October 11, 2024
Still, the revelation raises questions about the current state of Tesla's humanoid robotics program. While the company has made significant strides since first introducing Optimus, the extent of the robots' autonomous capabilities remains unclear.
Clearly, Elon Musk is betting big on the technology. Musk has called the robot Tesla's most important in-development product, potentially bigger than its vehicle business. He's also very enthusiastic about their potential. Musk has said the Tesla robot could be an "incredible buddy like C3PO or R2-D2" and that it will be able to "develop a personality over time that is unique." He suggested they could do the cooking and cleaning for owners, or even teach their children.
Musk has previously said that Optimus could enter limited production by 2025, with over 1,000 robots potentially operational in Tesla factories by the end of that year. However, the reliance on human control during this high-profile event suggests that fully autonomous humanoid robots may still be some way off.