Title: Musk’s Robot Demo Undercut by AI’s Limited Practical Use Confession
Elon Musk Red-Faced as His Own AI Criticizes Tesla’s Dancing Robot
(Images: Tesla’s Optimus robot dancing; Grok’s ranking list; Musk reacting; Chinese factory workers)
Elon Musk’s attempt to showcase Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, backfired when his AI chatbot, Grok, delivered a brutally honest critique. The Tesla CEO shared a “real real-time” video on X of Optimus performing fluid dance moves, but Grok ranked it last among top humanoid robots, calling its real-world applications “limited.”
Grok’s Take Down
When asked to evaluate Optimus, Grok acknowledged its “impressive mobility” but emphasized its current role is restricted to basic Tesla factory tasks, with broader deployment not expected until 2026. The AI ranked Boston Dynamics’ parkour-capable Atlas first, followed by Figure AI’s factory-ready bots and Agility Robotics’ warehouse-focused Digit. Optimus trailed due to being “early in practical application.”
Fan Reactions Split
Musk’s supporters clashed online. Some dismissed Grok’s analysis as falling for rivals’ “PR magic,” while others criticized Optimus’ flashy demo. “Show me how it cooks or cleans,” one user demanded. Another quipped, “Dancing robots are pointless.” Despite skeptics, fans praised Optimus’ human-like movements, with one noting, “The fluidity is unreal!”
Production Hurdles
Musk aims to sell Optimus for $20,000-$30,000 by 2026, mass-producing robots for labor-intensive roles. However, U.S.-China trade tensions threaten this timeline. Beijing’s export limits on rare-earth magnets—crucial for Optimus’ motors—pose challenges. Experts warn Tesla’s reliance on Chinese suppliers (for 66% of parts) makes cost targets unrealistic without cooperation.
The Road Ahead
While Musk envisions billions of humanoid robots by 2040, Grok’s verdict highlights Optimus’ uphill battle. For now, the dance video proves agility but not utility—a reminder that even Musk’s ventures face AI’s impartial judgment.
Image Captions Included for Reference:
- Optimus robot mid-dance, demonstrating agility.
- Grok’s ranking list, placing Tesla last.
- Musk at an event, looking sheepish.
- Chinese factory workers assembling robotics parts.
