Featured Image Credit: Elon Musk/X
Elon Musk has shown the recent updates of the Tesla company’s humanoid robot Optimus.
Last week, the tech billionaire posted footage showing the almost 6-foot-tall faceless humanoid taking steps in a 15-second clip on X, captioned: 'Going for a walk with Optimus.'
The inner parts of the robot can be seen in the clip as there's no white metal plate covering the majority of its body.
According to Tesla, Optimus can walk about 5 miles an hour and deadlift 150 pounds.
Advert
While many users seemed to be fascinated by the robot, others were taken aback by its human-like appearance.
One person commented on the walking style of the bot, saying: 'It's walking so much smoother now, it actually has a spring in its step now instead of walking as though it's about to fall.'
Others weren't so impressed and suggested that the robot's walk 'looks like it has to go to the bathroom.'
Whilst other social media users are cautioning Tesla's rival Boston Dynamics, writing: 'Wow. Look out Boston Dynamic. In another 100 years the muskbot will be able to dance.'
Some viewers are predicting drastic consequences, like: 'It's awesome until robots start killing humans'.
The Tesla CEO has teased other robot developments on social media including Optimus Gen 2, showing its incredible capabilities of squatting as well as poaching an egg.
In August 2021, Optimus made its debut at a Tesla AI Day event. Despite being over two years later, there's been no official confirmation as to when it will be made available to the public.
However, the public speculates that Optimus could be made available as soon as 2025, or more realistically around 2027, at a price 'probably less than $20,000' (£16,000).
And it's since advanced from its initial showcase as, back then, it couldn't do more than walk and wave across the stage.
Optimus is able to recognise real-world objects thanks to Tesla's incorporation of the same technology that's in its electric vehicle Autopilot feature.
Musk has previously explained that Optimus was designed to become an assistant, saying it could be a factory worker capable of handling both 'dangerous and boring' tasks.
Additionally, he foresees a friendly side to the robot, somewhat similar to a pet or Star Wars's R2D2 or C3PO.
Musk imagines it to be a useful companion for everyday owners in their home, helping the family with tasks and errands such as fixing the car or helping to get groceries from the shop.
