Tesla's recent Cybercab event showcased the much-anticipated Optimus robots, capturing attention with their lively personalities and surprising interactions. The robots mingled with attendees, served drinks, engaged in games, and even performed dances. Adding to the spectacle, they conversed with guests in a seemingly autonomous manner. However, the reality was more theatrical than innovative.

Theatrics in Robotics

Videos from the event reveal that while the robots appeared advanced, they were not fully autonomous. The robots' ability to engage in one-on-one conversations amidst a bustling, dim setting would be groundbreaking if genuine. However, it wasn't entirely artificial intelligence at play. Attendee Robert Scoble noted that humans were “remote assisting” the robots. Further clarification came when an engineer explained that although AI was used for basic functions like walking, human intervention was crucial for more complex tasks.

Human Intervention

Supporting this, Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas reported that the robots depended on tele-operations, indicating a significant level of human involvement. Interestingly, subtle cues suggested this, such as differing robot voices and immediate response coordination, hinting at scripted interactions rather than spontaneous AI-driven conversations.

Public Reaction

Tesla hasn't masked these facts. An amusing interaction captured on video showed an Optimus robot humorously admitting to human assistance when queried about AI control. This transparency might be a nod to Tesla's past, notably when Elon Musk introduced the humanoid project with a performer dressed as a robot. Attendees seemed to appreciate the show of future possibilities rather than feeling deceived.

Though the event offered an entertaining glimpse into Tesla's vision for humanoid robots, it fell short of providing a true measure of how advanced their technology really is. For those eager to understand Tesla's progress in autonomous robotics, the Cybercab event, branded as “We, Robot,” wasn't quite enlightening but rather an extravagant presentation.

For further details, visit the original coverage on The Verge.