Tesla and CEO Elon Musk have unveiled their CyberCab and two surprises, indicating that the future is now. Musk’s long-term goals seem to lead to growth in the electric vehicle field.
As part of Tesla’s “We, Robot” event in Los Angeles at the Warner Brothers lot last Thursday, which was live-streamed to 3.6 million viewers, the CyberCab robotaxi was unveiled. Musk arrived in the Robotaxi, an entirely self-driving, 2-door cab without pedals or a steering wheel. The Cab is powered by AI technology, which Musk says would be “10 times safer than a human” (USA Today). There were about 30 model Y cars and 20 cyber cabs at the event, with the design straight out of a sci-fi film, with many calling to the film franchise ‘Blade Runner’. Musk expects unsupervised self-driving in Texas and California by 2025. The Cybercab is anticipated to be on sale before 2027, making it available through the Tesla app, similar to “Uber or Airbnb”. The expected cost is less than “$30,000”, with an additional cost of 20 cents a mile.
As it stands investors were left unimpressed after the event, with it being said that Musk promises many things that usually get delayed. Originally the robotaxi was supposed to be revealed in August, but it was delayed due to design changes. Before that, Musk wanted to release the robotaxi’s back in 2020, but many setbacks occurred, including lawsuits and investigations based on crashes that were linked to, “autopilot and full self-driver-assistance systems” (USA Today). Tesla and Musk would push back on these remarks stating that “inattentive drivers” were the cause of those crashes. Nevertheless, Musk would get to reveal his long-awaited project, but it didn’t stop there.
There were also unexpected announcements, one being the Robovan, a 20-person size vehicle that will be fully electric and autonomous, which is designed to transport people around areas of high density, as well as transport a certain amount of goods. The design was sleek and silver metallic which is reminiscent of a “1950s toaster”. The doors slide out from the middle with white lights running all over the bus-like van, with the inside of the van only having seats as the vehicle is fully autonomous. The van that showed up at the event is only a prototype as the van has yet to be given a release date or a set cost.
According to Musk, this project will lead to a future where there is ‘no poverty.’ With the help of mass production of humanoid robots, Musk says that civilization will be transformed. The price range of the Droids is between $20,000 and $30,000, with the expected sell date in the range of 2026-2027.
What has is the Optimus humanoid robots that entered the event to “mingle with guests and serve drink” and stole the show at the event. The robots are faceless with tall figures with the Tesla name across the chest and are said to be able to, “do anything you want” according to Musk. Optimus can help with daily tasks, shopping, being a teacher, babysitting, and even being your friend. The robots also know sign language and showcased it during the event. The robots talked with guests, asking where guests were from, and even asked guests for a photo and made hand signs. This project has been in development for years dating back to 2021, when during an event, Musk brought out a man in the robot suit who danced. The year after, a prototype of what was shown off last week debuted to people at the 2022 Tesla AI Day event and waved and walked around only showcasing what could be done.
