Tesla's Optimus robots have taken their first steps (literally) to world domination

Having first revealed the new Roadster some six years ago and the Cybertruck in 2019 – but having thus far delivered, er, neither – it might not surprise you to hear Tesla's released a progress report about... robots.

Last year Musk stated in an earnings call that Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot project was – and we're paraphrasing – its most important product development priority for 2022.

And now there is footage (see below) to show us the fruits of Tesla's focus on bots. One in which robots walk casually past a dude building a Cybertruck. Just one single dude... might go some way to explaining the delay.

Elsewhere, the film depicts bipedal robots walking around in clusters, demonstrating motor control and moving forward like the great-great-grandchildren of CP30… yeah, yeah, reproduction doesn’t work like that for droids, we know. 

Anyway, there’s an impressive show of dexterity with these ten-fingered prototypes that Musk wants to serve as ‘companions’ that cost less than £16,000 ($20,000). 

They’ve come a long way since the shaky prototype was revealed at Tesla’s AI day in 2022. Optimus robots share some of their sensor components and AI software with those found in Tesla cars.

Ooh, the c-word again. Wonder what will arrive first: Tesla mechanoids or the long-awaited Roadster?