On Aug. 19 2021, Tesla CEO Elon Musk began developing a humanoid robot named Optimus, also known as a Tesla bot. After working on Optimus for around a year, Musk revealed his robot during artificial intelligence day in 2022. In the past year, Musk has announced a new generation of Optimus, sparking widespread interest and making the robots a trending topic.
Many people are curious about the newer generation of Optimus’ potential to transform industries, from manufacturing to household support. Junior Sam Munday explains his thoughts about the robots as he learns more about their newer developments.
“It’s definitely interesting to see the way technology’s advancing,” Munday said. “But I’m also kind of scared about the future of humanity.”
Munday’s mixed feelings about the advancements reflect a common concern shared by many individuals. While Munday thinks that the potential benefits of these advancing robots are exciting, he has a lingering unease about their potential impact on society and the workforce.
“I think these robots could possibly be extremely helpful,” Munday said. “I mean, to an extent, because it’s practical to worry that they’re going to take away our jobs.”
While concerns about job displacement are common, another aspect of Optimus that’s sparking curiosity is their potential role in healthcare and caregiving. Many wonder if these machines could transform how humans approach tasks like assisting the elderly or performing delicate surgeries.
“I feel like I would trust them with everyday tasks, like making breakfast or cleaning my room,” Munday said. “But if they could help beyond simple tasks, then I think the benefits would significantly outweigh the potential fears.”
Beyond personal convenience, many are also questioning how these robots might reshape industries like transportation, education and more. Their capabilities could extend far beyond household tasks, potentially revolutionizing the way we live and work on a much larger scale. Sophomore Graye Phillips explains her thoughts on Optimus’ integration into different industries.
“Robots are going to be huge in all kinds of industries, doing jobs faster and easier than people can,” Phillips said.
Many people feel that as technology advances at a fast-moving pace, its integration into daily life is becoming inevitable. From streamlining classroom management to automating complex tasks in industries, Munday believes these innovations offer both opportunities and challenges. For many, the key lies in adapting and learning to leverage these tools effectively.
“I think we need to accept the growth of technology and accept what’s happening and embrace it,” Munday said. “The most we can do is learn to use this new technology to the best of our abilities.”
