Tesla’s “We Robot” event on 10 Oct 2024 at Warner Bros. Discovery Studios in Burbank, California, faced criticism despite showcasing prototypes of the “Cybercab” and “Robovan”.
Some observers deemed the event more style than substance, lacking details on timelines, costs, and legal issues. The most controversial aspect was Tesla’s use of teleoperated Optimus robots, which some attendees mistook for autonomous.
Venture capitalist Josh Wolfe called it a “parlour trick”, questioning Tesla’s AI progress in robotics. The Kilowatts, EV reviewers, noted that the technology remains “unbelievable” until shipped.
Tesla’s vision of autonomous robots and vehicles remains speculative. Here’s a summary:
Cybercab: autonomous and cheaper than a bus or Model 3?
The Cybercab, a two-seater autonomous electric vehicle, was described as a compact Cybertruck. Musk claimed it would cost less than $30,000, undercutting the Model 3’s current price of around £42,000.
Musk stated that Tesla aims for the Cybercab’s operating cost to be between $0.20 and $0.30 per mile, compared to a bus at around $1 per mile.
The vehicles would use wireless charging, eliminating plug-in stations and integrating seamlessly into urban areas.
Musk’s long-held vision of personalised “mass transit” sees the Cybercab as a key component. He showcased 20 Cybercabs driving autonomously at the event, emphasising their role in making cities safer, cleaner, and more efficient.
Tesla’s AI Vision system, trained on millions of cars, allows these vehicles to operate without human limitations. Musk claimed their autonomous technology could make driving up to 30 times safer than human operation.
He suggested autonomous car owners could manage ride-hailing fleets, potentially reshaping the gig economy.
However, industry insiders have voiced concerns over the absence of specific rollout details. Musk indicated production would begin “probably” in 2026 or “before 2027”, admitting his tendency for optimistic timeframes.
Tesla has previously struggled with deadlines for ambitious projects like Full Self-Driving and the Cybertruck.
While the vision of affordable autonomous transport is compelling, uncertainty remains about Tesla’s ability to deliver on these promises.
Robovan: Tesla’s answer to buses, trains, and mass transit
Another key reveal was Tesla’s Robovan, a large autonomous vehicle for up to 20 passengers or goods.
The Robovan embodies Tesla’s vision for efficient, less congested cities. These autonomous vehicles could run frequently enough to replace large, underused car parks.
Musk suggested that cities could turn parking spaces into parks, boosting urban life quality.
Some tech watchers, like Brian Roemmele on X, were thrilled by the news. They praised the Robovan’s sleek art deco design and predicted hundreds of thousands of people living in converted Robovans by 2031.
Despite the praise, critics noted Tesla’s lack of a clear production timeline.
X user Facts Chaser pointed out that while Tesla showed a prototype, China already has working autonomous vans in cities.
Is Tesla Full Self-Driving set to launch in Texas and California next year?
At We Robot, Musk restated his belief that self-driving cars will transform urban life by cutting traffic, improving safety, and reclaiming public spaces.
Tesla plans to launch unsupervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) in Texas and California by 2025, starting with Model 3 and Y, then Cybertruck and Cybercab.
Musk envisions autonomous vehicles being used up to ten times more than today’s cars, greatly increasing their value.
However, Tesla faces regulatory hurdles in deploying FSD, and autonomous driving hasn’t yet reached Level 4 autonomy needed for human-free operation.
Optimus: your future household helper?
Tesla’s Optimus robot was also showcased as a personal assistant for everyday tasks like babysitting, dog-walking, and bartending.
Meanwhile, other robotics firms like Figure, 1X (both OpenAI-backed), and Chinese startups are developing humanoid robots, creating fierce competition. However, Tesla’s success in the EV market suggests a positive outlook for Optimus.
Safety and regulatory hurdles persist
Tesla faces regulatory challenges in adopting autonomous vehicles and robots. Musk’s vision of driverless transport raises legal and safety concerns.
Vehicles like the Cybercab must meet strict safety standards before public use. Tesla’s FSD technology has already faced scrutiny after accidents involving partially autonomous vehicles.
To achieve Level 4 autonomy, Tesla must prove its systems can handle various driving scenarios safely.
Spam mars livestream
The We Robot event garnered significant online attention, but spammers promoting an unrelated cryptocurrency token disrupted the livestream.
Despite this, Tesla fans were excited about Musk’s vision, though some doubted the feasibility and timelines of the announcements