Kim Kardashian’s recent interaction with Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, has gone viral with a good mix of humor and technology playing together.
In a series of Instagram posts, Kardashian introduced her followers to Optimus, Tesla’s humanoid robot priced between $20,000 and $30,000. The interaction started with light gestures, including heart shapes that Optimus mirrored, followed by a series of activities demonstrating the robot’s agility. From mimicking jogging and hula dancing to blowing kisses, Optimus charmed Kardashian with its responsiveness and ability to adapt to her commands.
The highlight of the interaction was a friendly game of “rock-paper-scissors.” When Optimus amusingly lost, it added a humorous human-like touch by nodding and raising its hands in mock frustration. These moments highlighted the robot’s ability to perform complex, coordinated movements and simulate human emotions, providing a relatable and engaging demonstration of its potential.
Beyond the playful exchange, the video provided a sneak peek into Tesla’s upcoming innovations. Optimus was shown seated inside the futuristic Cybercab, Tesla’s fully autonomous robotaxi. This sleek vehicle, designed without a steering wheel or pedals, underscores the company’s vision for AI-driven mobility.
The video concluded with a preview of the Cybercab’s interior, seamlessly blending fun with a creative nod to Tesla’s ambitious future in autonomous transportation.
While Optimus showcased improved capabilities since its unveiling at Tesla’s “We, Robot” event in October, questions about its autonomy remain. Despite impressive demonstrations such as making peace signs, playing games, and pouring drinks, many of these actions still relied heavily on human input.
Critics have pointed out that Tesla’s robots are not yet fully self-sufficient, raising doubts about their readiness for practical applications. Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s bold claims that Optimus could eventually handle tasks like babysitting and lawn mowing seem ambitious, given the current limitations.
Insiders revealed that Musk’s decision to include Optimus in the event was last-minute, leading to rushed preparations and potentially explaining the robot’s dependence on remote control. This gap between vision and functionality has in store the challenges Tesla faces in realizing its ambitious AI goals.