13 August 2021, Brandenburg, Grünheide: Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, stands at a press occasion on the grounds … [+]
It’s doable that we’re in denial about this.
Current Twitter feedback have highlighted the truth that final week’s Tesla robotic demonstration was considerably disappointing. The primary bot (often called Bumble C) waved and stepped gingerly on the stage and that’s about it. There’s nothing fairly like altering your oil or making pancakes but.
This presentation was referred to as probably the most embarrassing by one individual.
I agree. Elon Musk even introduced the robotic with some sarcasm. The robotic will look loads higher than the earlier demo, which featured a person sporting a robotic swimsuit.
The bot reached for water in a behind-the scenes video. Musk claims the bot acknowledges objects. That is opposite to Boston Dynamics bots that are pre-programmed. Nonetheless, Twitter replies have been skeptical.
“I might hardly name that tech,” stated one commenter: One other stated all of it seems to be “dated.”
Okay, level taken. This presentation was stuffed nearly fully with banter and jargon. It simply barely hid any real innovation. “What you’re seeing is semi-off-the-shelf actuators,” defined Musk with a scoff. “It wasn’t fairly able to stroll however it’s going to stroll in just a few weeks. We wished to point out a bot that’s pretty near what’s going to go into manufacturing.”
At this level, Tesla workers wheeled out one other bot that appeared all shiny and new, however didn’t do far more than wave. “Right here you’re seeing Optimus with a level of freedom,” says Musk. Right here’s the complete presentation:
A number of folks on Twitter have now echoed Musk’s feedback halfway via his demo. The present era of robots could make items with out the usage of an AI mind, and they’re as costly as your property. The Optimus can be taught from its atmosphere, he claims, and can run about the identical value as a Nissan.
Sadly, AI appears to be in an unrealized state. Whereas the potential for automated help is obvious, the fact just isn’t so clear. These robots would possibly wash dishes for us sometime, but it surely’s onerous to inform when that will probably be.
Musk hints at “quickly” however the demo doesn’t reinforce that concept. The reality is — perhaps we simply don’t need it to occur. The hype surrounding autonomous automobiles or robotic assistants is probably higher understood as both an idea, or an concept.
As soon as there’s an precise robotic like Optimus in our properties, sweeping the ground and letting the cat out, we would not be prepared for what might occur subsequent: Insurance coverage nightmares; precise and legit questions on eugenics when these bots can substitute people; an over-reliance on AI tech with none actual requirements or security protocols.
And, dare to even say it — how will the U.S. authorities be concerned?
No less than with the auto business, there’s some regulation over issues like seat belts and air luggage. Musk has expressed concern about AI governance.
When an organization like Tesla wheels out a robotic and says it might be in our properties quickly, my first thought isn’t in regards to the AI mind or the competitors, and isn’t even about the associated fee or the characteristic set. It’s extra about whether or not any of us are prepared for these robots to really exists.
