Tesla has unveiled a provocative new video showcasing its ambitious Optimus robot in action, renewing conversation around Elon Musk’s promises and the company’s advancement—or lack thereof—in the realm of autonomous robotics. Released early Thursday, the video features Optimus engaging in human-like activities such as walking, distributing food, and climbing stairs. However, a closer inspection of the video reveals a critical detail in the upper-right corner: the speed at which the footage runs has been significantly altered. At various points, the video has been accelerated to two, eight, and even ten times its actual speed to potentially enhance the robot’s appeal.
The tease of technological prowess comes shortly after Elon Musk’s recent demonstration at Warner Bros. studios, where Optimus stole the spotlight from Tesla’s much-anticipated robotaxi. There, attendees witnessed the robot performing seemingly advanced tasks that included dancing, interacting with guests, and even playing games like rock-paper-scissors. However, revelations later surfaced indicating that human intervention was indeed integral to these performances, raising ethical questions about the extent of Optimus’s capabilities and Tesla’s transparency.
The latest video release aims to recapture interest by presenting Optimus in a more dynamic light. However, the persistent disclosure of speed manipulation in the footage has prompted skepticism among viewers. The dramatic disparity between the accelerated footage and real-time performance suggests that the robot’s development might be lagging behind the groundbreaking image that Musk portrays. This revelation contributes to a growing sentiment that the company’s goal of mass-producing these robots for consumer use may be too ambitious given the current technological progress.
In a unique segment of the video, Optimus navigates a set of stairs—an accomplishment that recalls challenges faced by robotics developers in the early 2000s and 2010s. Despite these strides over past student-led robotics feats, Tesla’s decision not to demonstrate this capability live has left room for doubt. The absence of the word “autonomous” during this segment further implies that human control might still play a significant role in Optimus’s operations.
Public reception to the video has been mixed. While some praise the display as a promising leap forward, others express frustration over perceived deception in altering the footage’s speed. The polarizing reactions highlight a critical juncture for Tesla; the company must balance market hype with technological honesty as it navigates the uncharted waters of robotics advancement.