Some individuals felt uneasy after witnessing an ‘interview’ with one of Tesla’s newly developed androids.
Elon Musk has unveiled these robots, named Optimus, which are engineered to replicate the human body.
The unveiling took place during the We, Robot event at Warner Bros studios in California.
The event’s title, ‘We, Robot,’ nods to Isaac Asimov’s collection of short stories and the film I, Robot featuring Will Smith, where androids plot a rebellion against humans.
This reference seems apt for a gathering showcasing new android robots.
A contingent of robots took to the stage as Musk highlighted the company’s yearly advancements in robot development.
But what is the purpose of these robots beyond proving they can be made?
Optimus robots are intended to serve as domestic aides, with Musk suggesting they can perform various household tasks.
He explained: “It’ll do anything you want. It can be a teacher, babysit your kids, it can walk your dog, mow your lawn, get the groceries. Just be your friend, serve drinks. Whatever you can think of, it will do.”
For those affluent enough to purchase an Optimus, the thought that their robotic helper is unlikely to unionize might be reassuring.
That is, until the typical science fiction scenario involving androids unfolds.
A video emerged on social media showing an ‘interview’ with one of the robots.
The interviewer engages with Optimus, inquiring about the robot’s origins.
Optimus responds, mentioning the factory where they are manufactured, stating: “That’s where they train us, that’s where we get our builds – they’re wonderful, super people.”
The interviewer then queries Optimus: “What’s the hardest thing about being a robot?”
Following a brief pause, Optimus answers: “Trying to learn how to be as human as you guys are.
“And that’s something I try to do harder every day and I hope that you’ll help us become that.”
This response unsettled many, with one person remarking: “This is how the movie starts.”
Another individual added: “The last 20 seconds of this clip should make your blood go cold. Most won’t take this seriously.”
However, some skeptics doubted whether it was an AI model speaking, suggesting it might be remotely controlled by someone else.
One user commented: “Nah that’s just literally some guy in his apartment on a VR headset controlling the robot.”