imho this is the state of the Tesla robotaxi rollout as well as the Autonomous robots...
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<<Tesla Optimus Robot's Public Failure Has To Be Seen To Be Believed
By Alec Hively Jan. 3, 2026 10:47 am EST
Robert Way/Shutterstock
When Tesla demonstrated its humanoid robot Optimus at its autopilot technology showcase in Miami in early December 2025, it was a sensation, but not for the reasons the company hoped. Recorded at the company's "Autonomy Visualized" show, a leaked video shows an Optimus robot supposedly autonomously handing out water bottles to guests before knocking over its wares, raising its hands in mock disbelief, and falling backward in a cascade of flailing limbs. While it circulated on social media as an undoubtedly genius piece of slapstick comedy, the video also garnered harsh criticism, with critics noting that the Keatonesque gag points to broader issues within Tesla's robotics business, revealing the company may be farther from reaching its lucrative goals than advertised.
Much of this criticism is rooted in the wildly optimistic promises of Tesla head Elon Musk, who has spent years hyping up the advancements of his company's humanoid robotics program. In February 2025, for instance, Musk predicted that Tesla's bipedal robot Optimus alone would drive more than $10 trillion in revenue. In light of several public setbacks, including the above mentioned tumble, many observers are skeptical of such eye-popping predictions.
Of course, Musk isn't the only billionaire hoping to capitalize on the market, as several of the world's most powerful technology giants, including Nvidia, OpenAI, Alphabet, and Meta, all heavily invested in the burgeoning market. The greatest competitive concern for Musk, however, may come from China, where a nation-wide investment strategy has reportedly produced embodied AI capable of dexterous movements currently eluding American firms, such as Unitree's $16,000 G1 humanoid robot. Despite these developments, many insiders are cautious about the industry's immediate potential. So if you're concerned about an AI robot uprising, put your mind at ease with the viral Optimus video.
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