Equity Tesla’s bot non-disclosure and why humanoid robots are taking off
Oct 16, 2024
Brian Heater, TechCrunch's hardware editor and robotics expert, delves into Tesla's recent robot reveal at a robotaxi event, where Optimus bots surprised guests with their interactions, albeit remotely controlled. He discusses the booming market for humanoid robots, nearing $1 billion in funding, and the expected rise of robots in manufacturing and households. With companies like BMW and Amazon testing humanoid solutions, the conversation touches on adapting these robots for daily tasks, particularly for the elderly, and the safety standards needed for their integration.
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Tesla's Misleading Demos
- Tesla has previously shown misleading videos of the Optimus robot's capabilities.
- For example, a video of Optimus folding a shirt was later revealed to be remotely controlled by a human.
Disclosing Remote Operation
- Not disclosing remote operation in robotics demos creates false expectations about technological advancement.
- This can mislead the public and damage the industry's credibility.
Misinterpretations at Tesla Event
- Rebecca Bellan recounts an experience where an investor at the Tesla event mistakenly believed Optimus's speech was AI-generated.
- This highlights how staged demonstrations can create misconceptions about technological capabilities.