Elon Musk, the tech magnate known for his ambitious ventures, sent the internet into a frenzy with a recent video showcasing the humanoid robot, Optimus, taking its first independent steps. The 1:18 clip, captioned “Optimus strolling around the lab” on the X platform, has sparked both excitement and controversy.
While the video doesn’t depict a perfectly fluid human-like walk, it demonstrates significant progress for the project. Optimus can be seen navigating the lab independently, albeit with a slightly uncoordinated gait. This “strolling” style, as Musk described it, has become a central point of discussion.
Optimus strolling around the lab pic.twitter.com/E25ttHGsF0
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 24, 2024
This unveiling follows Musk’s earlier video showcasing the capabilities of Tesla’s humanoid robots, claiming they could perform various tasks, from folding clothes to navigating grocery stores, at a price point of $20,000. These advancements raise questions about the potential impact of AI and automation on various industries.
Comparisons and Concerns:
Some experts have compared Optimus’ movement to that of a toddler learning to walk, praising the progress and acknowledging the room for further development. Others, however, have expressed concerns about the seemingly slow and awkward gait, questioning whether it represents a “revolutionary” advancement as Musk suggests.
The video has also reignited discussions surrounding the ethical implications of advanced robotics. Critics raise concerns about potential job displacement and the potential misuse of such technology for military purposes.
