Tesla Unveils Humanoid Robot Optimus to the Public in Berlin

Tesla has introduced its humanoid robot, Optimus, to the public during a demonstration at a Berlin shopping center. The robot, designed to assist with daily tasks, interacted with visitors by distributing popcorn and handing out Christmas ornaments in boxes, while also greeting attendees. Tesla has announced plans to release Optimus commercially between late 2026 and early 2027, with an expected price range of $20,000 to $25,000 (approximately EUR17,000 to EUR21,000) per unit.

Standing at 1.73 meters, Optimus is intended to perform tasks that are considered unsafe, repetitive, or monotonous, such as cleaning and basic food preparation. Tesla's aim is to allow people to dedicate more time to activities they enjoy by delegating routine chores to the robot. In addition to household applications, Optimus is being positioned as a potential workforce solution for sectors such as warehousing and logistics, where it could take on roles that involve sorting, packing, and supporting assembly line operations.

The robot is currently undergoing testing in Tesla's Fremont, California factory. There, it is assigned tasks like sorting battery cells and providing assistance along the production line. According to Tesla, Optimus can handle delicate objects, including eggs and tools, and is capable of navigating uneven surfaces on two legs, reflecting advancements in its mobility and dexterity.

The demonstration in Berlin attracted significant public interest, resulting in long queues as visitors awaited their chance to see Optimus in action. However, as with previous Tesla demonstrations, it remained unclear to what extent the robot functioned autonomously or whether it was remotely controlled during the event.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has emphasized robotics and autonomous technology as key pillars of the company's future strategy, especially as electric vehicle sales are projected to face challenges. Musk has highlighted the potential for humanoid robots and self-driving taxis to drive the next phase of Tesla's growth, suggesting that these technologies could transform industries and society at large. He has expressed confidence that future versions of Optimus will demonstrate highly fluid, human-like movement, and has even suggested that robots could one day outnumber humans and contribute to improvements in areas such as healthcare.

Despite these ambitions, there is ongoing debate regarding the current capabilities of Optimus. Some reports indicate that the robot is still partially operated by remote control during public demonstrations. A recent incident in Miami, where an Optimus unit was seen toppling over after raising its arms, raised questions about its level of autonomy. Tesla has not provided detailed clarification regarding these operational aspects.

The robotics and autonomous vehicle markets are becoming increasingly competitive. Numerous companies in China and the United States, including Agility Robotics and Figure AI, are advancing their own humanoid robot projects, with some already conducting industrial trials. For example, Figure AI's robots have performed warehouse duties in a BMW plant in South Carolina over a six-month period. In the field of autonomous vehicles, Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, leads with over 2,500 driverless vehicles deployed in several U.S. cities, whereas Tesla's pilot program remains comparatively limited in scale and still requires safety operators in the vehicles.

As Tesla continues to develop Optimus, the company faces both significant opportunities and challenges in the evolving landscape of robotics and automation. While the public demonstration in Berlin showcased the progress made to date, ongoing questions about autonomy and practical deployment remain central to the robot's future prospects in both consumer and industrial markets.