Tesla Announces Entry into Robot Business... Unveils Humanoid Robot 'Tesla Bot' (Update)

"Capable of Going to the Mart Independently and Performing Repetitive Tasks... Will Change the Global Economy"
Musk's 'Showmanship' Also Noted... CNBC Says "Most Have Never Been Properly Released"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Elon Musk, the head of the American electric vehicle company Tesla, unveiled the 'Tesla Bot,' a humanoid robot utilizing Tesla's proprietary artificial intelligence technology.

On the 19th (local time), Musk revealed the Tesla Bot for the first time at the 'Tesla AI (Artificial Intelligence) Day' event, stating, "The Tesla Bot is real. It will reduce labor costs and revolutionize the global economy."

At the 'AI Day,' a presentation event held to disclose Tesla's progress in developing proprietary AI technology and to recruit talent related to machine learning technology, Musk added, "The Tesla Bot is equipped with the proprietary AI technology used in Tesla's autonomous vehicles."

Musk indicated that a prototype of the Tesla Bot could be unveiled around next year.

Musk said, "The Tesla Bot can move to the supermarket on its own to do shopping," adding, "All the technology embedded in Tesla cars has been fully utilized."

Musk further explained, "The Tesla Bot includes eight cameras and the Autopilot system installed in Tesla cars," and "The Tesla Bot will be able to perform repetitive and dangerous tasks on behalf of humans."

According to Musk, the Tesla Bot can carry objects weighing up to 45 lbs (approximately 20 kg) and lift objects weighing up to 150 lbs (approximately 68 kg). He also mentioned that it can run at speeds up to 5 miles per hour (approximately 8 km/h).

[Image source=Tesla YouTube capture]

Musk introduced the Tesla Bot's height as 5.6 ft (approximately 1.7 m), stating, "It will be designed so that humans can overpower or escape from the Tesla Bot in case of emergency."

Musk emphasized, "Tesla is undoubtedly the world's largest robotics company."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Musk has been known for his showmanship, winning investors' favor by revealing products years ahead of their final release during Tesla-related presentations.

CNBC pointed out, "(Although there have been numerous announcements,) almost none have been released on the originally scheduled timeline."

For example, at a Tesla event in April 2019, Musk predicted that one million autonomous taxis called 'Robo-taxis' would be roaming the roads by 2020. However, as of August 2021, CNBC reported that not a single Robo-taxi was in operation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.