If you have been living under a rock you may not have heard of Tesla’s We, Robot event. The good news is that if you missed it, you can still see it on X (or just go to https://tesla.com). Note that while the video is over 90 minutes long, it really starts about one hour in. It’s nicely produced and well worth your time.
At the event there are 20 robotaxis, 50 model Ys and at least one robovan (which Elon pronounced ro-BO-van, like a Spanish speaker would guess it would be pronounced). There are also a host of Optimus robots which, apparently, are acting as bartenders. What Elon is projecting is what the future could be if we embrace autonomy. That includes:
- Lower cost per passenger mile than current public transit
- Being able to turn many urban parking lots into parks and green areas
- Being able to have your own robot to make drinks, mow your lawn or just be your friend
The summary is that this could convert the world into a place of abundance that you can afford. It’s a very positive vision and I do think it is attainable.
He addressed the safety of driverless vehicles. His point is that a new Tesla is “born” with the accumulated driver experience of all current Tesla driving. This makes perfect sense.
When can you have one? The first step is implementing the robo taxi features for existing Teslas. This is mostly a regulation issue and they will start by working with the states of California and Texas. As for the new robotaxi, he admitted he time estimates are usually too optimistic and hedged to “before 2027”. This sounds realistic. And, yes, you will be able to buy one for around $30,000.
No date for the robovan but the image attached is of the demo one and he said it would really look like that and be able to transport 20 people or be used for cargo.
Optimus is clearly on the way with Musk projecting it will “cost less than a car”. At the “party” (as he called the event) besides being able to ride in robotaxis, there is a meet and greet with Optimus.
Seriously, it is all very positive and well worth watching.
