Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, has made its way to a store in New York, marking a significant step for the company’s foray into robotics. Designed to tackle unsafe, repetitive, or mundane tasks, Optimus has been showcased to boost retail performance and generate interest in Tesla’s electric vehicles.
The decision to display Optimus in stores across North America and China stems from the robot’s overwhelming reception at an AI expo in China. Tesla hopes that featuring the humanoid robot will serve as a captivating marketing gimmick to bolster sales. Reports suggest that Tesla’s retail stores in North America have not been performing as well as their counterparts in China, prompting the company to explore new initiatives to enhance customer engagement.
Tesla has been actively experimenting with innovative showroom experiences. In Chengdu, China, the company unveiled the Giga Laboratory, a unique showroom adorned with white cars, assembly robots, EV components, and even a hanging Model 3 body, seemingly being manufactured on the spot. As Tesla continues to push boundaries, the introduction of Optimus serves as a test run, as the robots are not currently available for purchase and are not fully functional prototypes.
A recent video released by Tesla showcased Optimus “walking around and learning about the real world.” While it may not be performing parkour stunts, the demonstration at the Tesla Investor Day 2023 exhibited the robot’s ability to traverse its environment autonomously.
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, sees a time when humanoids like Optimus outnumber people. Experts are already buzzing about the robot because they think it might change manufacturing and offer a more efficient manner of production. Tesla has not stated, however, whether or not these bots will be used in the production of its vehicles.
Musk’s outlook on the future of physical work is optimistic, as he believes that it will become optional. While physical labor will still be available for those who choose it, advancements in robotics and automation will provide alternatives. This aligns with Tesla’s vision of pushing boundaries in the realm of technology and shaping a future where humans and robots coexist harmoniously. With Optimus making its debut in Tesla stores, the company is taking another step toward this vision of a robotic future.