‘I, Robot’ comes to life: Elon Musk unveils Tesla’s robot, Cybercab & Robovan

Tesla's ‘We, Robot ’ event showcased groundbreaking innovations in autonomous technology, unveiling the Cybercab robotaxi and Optimus humanoid robots as key highlights. Held at the Warner Bros. studio in Burbank, California, CEO Elon Musk revealed a future where self-driving technology and everyday robotics are at the forefront of Tesla's strategy.

The Cybercab, a self-driving vehicle, marks a major step toward a steering wheel-free future. According to Entrepreneur , Musk introduced the prototype with unique features: no pedals, no steering wheels, and wireless charging. The car, which is expected to be in production before 2027, will seat two people and cost less than $30,000. Each seat includes doors that open like butterfly wings, and the car aligns with a stationary charging pad, promising an innovative approach to electric vehicle charging.

In addition to Cybercab, Musk unveiled the Robovan, a self-driving 20-seater vehicle designed to lower travel costs to just "5-10 cents a mile," as reported by Entrepreneur . While production timelines and pricing remain unspecified, the Robovan offers further proof of Tesla’s focus on autonomous mass transit solutions.

Optimus: The Humanoid Helper

The Optimus robot, another highlight, promises to transform everyday chores like walking pets and retrieving packages. Musk emphasized its versatility, stating, “The Optimus will walk amongst you,” as noted by Business Today . Aimed to be commercially available by late 2024, Optimus could sell for $20,000 to $30,000.

Tesla's demonstration highlighted the robots performing simple tasks such as waving and handing out gifts. Musk envisions widespread adoption improving economic output dramatically, though the timeline for achieving these promises remains ambitious.

As Tesla positions itself as an AI robotics firm, these innovations underscore a strategic shift from traditional car manufacturing. Whether it's through reshaping urban transit with robotaxis or bringing robots into everyday life, Tesla's vision could herald a new era in autonomous and robotic technology.