Tesla’s new robots prompt *I, Robot* comparisons

The director of *I, Robot* had some comments for Elon Musk after Tesla’s future plans were revealed at the “We, Robot” event last week. Elon Musk hosted the event on October 10 at the Warner Bros studio. in California It unveiled Tesla’s upcoming humanoid Cybercab, Robovan and Optimus self-driving robots.

The event’s programming drew mixed reactions, but many social media users noted similarities between Musk’s designs and the 2004 film *I, Robot*. The film, starring Will Smith, is set in the year 2035 and features robots working in public service positions, operating under three laws to protect humans.

After Musk showed off the Cybercab, Robovan, and Optimus robots, many pointed out their resemblance to the robots and public transportation in the movie. One Twitter user commented: “Elon Musk’s autonomous Tesla Robotaxi, Optimus humanoid robot and Tesla Robo electric bus look exactly like a movie I saw a while ago,” sharing side-by-side comparisons of the Tesla products and photos from the film.

Elon’s claims of being Dark MAGA and then introducing this line of robots is giving RoboCop/Terminator vibes.

Introducing Tesla’s robovan (which is being compared to a futuristic art deco toaster), the robotaxi and the irobot.

What are your thoughts?# October 11 pic.twitter.com/K0cLEctzh7

— Shayla Sweatt (@shay_sweatt) October 11, 2024

*I, Robot* director Alex Proyas seemed to agree. He tweeted: “Hey Elon can I have my designs back please?” along with another side by side comparison. Some social media users supported Proyas. One Reddit user wrote: “That was my immediate thought when the van came out. It looked like the transport robot that attacked Will Smith in the tunnel.

Another Twitter user added: “The first thing I noticed about the Tesla event was the complete lack of imagination to create anything that wasn’t straight out of a sci-fi movie. I didn’t leave realize how blatant the theft really was.” However, others defended Musk. One Twitter user commented: “Imagine thinking you invented the wheel (because) you once drew a circle.”

At the “We, Robot” event, Musk described his Optimus robots as “your own personal R2-D2 (or) C-3PO.” He explained: “What can it do? It can basically do whatever you want it to do. It can be a teacher, babysit your kids, walk your dog, mow the lawn, do the grocery shopping, be your friend, serve drinks. You name it.” can think of it, he will do it.”

He continued, “I think this is going to be the biggest product ever, of any kind. I think everyone is going to want their Optimus friend, maybe two,” the robots are expected to cost between $20,000 and $30,000.