Tesla's Optimus Robots: A Blend of AI and Human Control
The recent unveiling of Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus, by CEO Elon Musk has sparked significant debate regarding the true autonomy of these machines. During the event, held on October 10, 2024, Optimus robots were showcased serving drinks and engaging with attendees. However, reports indicate that their operations may not be as autonomous as initially presented. Technology expert Robert Scoble revealed that while the robots are equipped with artificial intelligence to navigate their environment, they also rely on human operators for many of their actions, raising questions about the authenticity of their capabilities.
During the event, attendees observed Tesla employees seemingly controlling the robots with remote devices. This revelation has led to skepticism about Musk's claims regarding the robots' independence. In a video shared online, one Optimus robot responded to Scoble's inquiry about its AI capabilities, stating, "You’ll find out later," and later admitting, "It might be some," when pressed further. This ambiguity has fueled speculation that Tesla may be overstating the technological advancements of Optimus, with analysts noting that the robots demonstrated only limited autonomy.
The Implications of Remote Operation on Tesla's Reputation
The controversy surrounding Optimus has implications not only for Tesla's marketing strategies but also for its stock performance. Analysts, including Adam Jonas from Morgan Stanley, have pointed out that the robots were not fully autonomous and depended heavily on human intervention. Financial media outlets have criticized Tesla for potentially misleading the public about the capabilities of its robots, suggesting that the company may be obscuring the truth about its technological progress.
Despite the criticisms, some analysts remain optimistic about Tesla's future. Deutsche Bank analyst Edison Yu has maintained a buy rating for Tesla, projecting a target price of $295, based on the potential for selling 200,000 robots at $50,000 each by 2035. This indicates a strong belief in the long-term viability of Tesla's robot technology, despite the current controversy surrounding the Optimus presentation.
