The director of *I, Robot* had a few 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 lot in California. He introduced Tesla’s upcoming self-driving Cybercab, Robovan, and humanoid Optimus robots.
The event’s line-up drew mixed reactions, but many social media users noted similarities between Musk’s designs and the 2004 film *I, Robot*. The movie, starring Will Smith, is set in 2035 and features robots working in public service positions, operating under three laws to keep humans safe.
After Musk showcased the Cybercab, Robovan, and Optimus robots, many pointed out their resemblance to the film’s robots and public transport. One Twitter user commented, “The Elon Musk Tesla self-driving Robotaxi, Optimus humanoid Robot, and Tesla Robo electric bus look exactly like a movie I have watched some time ago,” sharing side-by-side comparisons of Tesla’s products and stills 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?#Oct11 pic.twitter.com/K0cLEctzh7
— Shayla Sweatt (@shay_sweatt) October 11, 2024
The director of *I, Robot*, 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, “This was my immediate thought when the van rolled out. It looked just like the robot transport 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 directly out of a sci-fi movie. I didn’t realize how blatant the theft actually was.” However, others defended Musk. One Twitter user remarked, “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 anything you want. It can be a teacher, babysit your kids, walk your dog, mow your lawn, get the groceries, just be your friend, serve drinks. Whatever you can think of, it will do.”
He continued, “I think this will be the biggest product ever, of any kind. I think everyone is going to want their Optimus buddy, maybe two,” with the price for the robots expected to range between $20,000 and $30,000.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Indy100 article highlights Elon Musk’s Tesla robot, Optimus, sparking concern with its “creepy” interaction and design similarities to the 2004 film “I, Robot,” prompting questions about AI and human-like behavior.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What new products did Elon Musk introduce at the ‘We, Robot’ event?
Elon Musk introduced the self-driving Cybercab, Robovan, and humanoid Optimus robots.
Why did people compare Tesla’s new products to the movie *I, Robot*?
People noted similarities between Tesla’s designs and the robots and transport in the 2004 film *I, Robot*.
What was the director of *I, Robot’s* response to Elon Musk’s designs?
Alex Proyas tweeted, ‘Hey Elon, Can I have my designs back please?’ along with a comparison image.
How did social media react to the similarities between Tesla’s products and *I, Robot*?
Reactions were mixed; some accused Musk of copying, while others defended him.
What did Elon Musk say about the capabilities of the Optimus robots?
Musk said Optimus robots could perform various tasks like teaching, babysitting, walking dogs, and more.