Examples of Optimus, Tesla’s humanoid robot, were also part of the Robotaxi reveal, and—yes—some were hiding in the mysterious gazebo as we predicted during our live blog. What we didn’t predict was for the robots to dance to the ’90s hit “What Is Love” by Haddaway. Robotic party antics aside, Musk said the Optimus robots will be available to purchase and will cost between $28,000 and $30,000 in the “long term.” He painted a future where the robots do everything from completing household tasks to teaching to being “just your friend.” After the main event, the Optimus robots mingled with people in the crowd, and some even acted as bartenders (while wearing cowboy hats to play up the Westworld tie-in).
The Robovan was another future product revealed during the event. Despite having the word “van” in its name, this massive autonomous transporter looks more like a toaster on wheels. If nothing else, we think “Robobus” is a more apt descriptor. Musk said it can carry up to 20 people and can also be used to transport goods. It has glass windows on either side of the roof as well as sliding side doors. How much range does it have? What will it cost? When will it be available? We don’t know, because none of those details were shared. What we do know is that it can be adapted for personal or commercial use. “We’re going to make this, and it’s going to look like that,” said Musk.