Tesla says ‘future is autonomous’ at We, Robot event with Optimus, Robotaxi demonstrations

Autonomous vehicle and humanoid robot company Tesla hosted its We, Robot event on October 10 at the Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank, Calif.

At the event, Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk highlighted that “the future is autonomous.” Musk and Tesla showcased new features of the company’s Optimus humanoid robot and unveiled two new autonomous vehicles: Robotaxi and Robovan.

Optimus makes drinks, has conversations

The Tesla Optimus humanoid was front and center at We, Robot. Attendees shared photos and videos on Twitter/X of Optimus pouring drinks and interacting with humans throughout the event space.

In December 2023, Tesla released Optimus Gen 2, which featured enhanced sensors and language processing capabilities powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning.

At We, Robot, Musk highlighted how Optimus can integrate with daily life alongside humans because of its autonomous task performing capabilities. Specifically, Musk declared Optimus could become an “autonomous assistant, humanoid friend.”

Tesla believes Optimus will eventually hit the consumer market with a $20,000-$30,000 price tag.

Robotaxi and Robovan highlight driverless autonomous vehicles

Another focal point of the We, Robot event was the debut of two new Tesla driverless, autonomous vehicles. Both vehicles at the event were prototypes.

Robotaxi, also known as Cybercab, is a driverless, autonomous vehicle that Tesla says it will start building by 2026. The vehicle contains seating for riders inside, but no steering wheel. Robotaxi will be a completely autonomous vehicle, which Musk believes will be safer than current auto transportation. Tesla anticipates that Cybercab will eventually cost under $30,000. Musk reached the stage of the event inside a Robotaxi.

A surprise release at the event was Robovan, which is another driverless vehicle, but with a larger seating availability. The prototype can fit up to 20 people, according to Tesla.