Technology multinational Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk showcased the company’s first humanoid robot ‘Optimus’ at the firm’s AI Day event last week.
Musk also claimed that the development of robots will be worth more than the production of cars to the company.
A prototype of Optimus walked on stage and waved to the audience, followed by a video of the bot performing various tasks around a factory, including carrying a box.
“Our goal is to make a useful humanoid robot as quickly as possible,” said Musk.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done to refine Optimus and prove it.”
The CEO went on say the machines were made in low volume and currently had no brain or the intelligence to operate independently, but described Optimus as “extremely capable”.
A key test for the robot will be its ability to function in unexpected situations.
Musk revealed Tesla’s plan for humanoid robots at its AI day in August last year and delayed this year’s event in order to have its Optimus prototype working.
Initially, Optimus is expected to carry out boring or dangerous tasks, including moving parts around factories or attaching a bolt to a car with a wrench, according to Musk.
The billionaire also alluded to its future potential in domestic settings, including meal preparation, care for the elderly or acting as a companion.
