Tesla Integrates Grok AI in Optimus Robot Amid Mixed Early Feedback

Tesla recently showcased the latest version of its Optimus humanoid robot, now equipped with xAI's Grok conversational AI, aiming to combine physical capabilities with advanced natural language interaction. Despite high-profile endorsements from Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, who called Optimus a 'productivity game-changer' and valued it between $200,000 and $500,000, the demonstration revealed significant performance limitations, including slow responses and hesitancy in completing simple tasks like fetching a Coke. Elon Musk has positioned Optimus as central to Tesla's future, projecting that the robot could account for 80% of the company's value and potentially generate trillions in revenue. However, Tesla faces production challenges, including delays caused by export restrictions on rare-earth materials from China. While the robot’s design has improved aesthetically with more human-like hands and a gold finish, critics note that its movements remain clunky compared to competitors, though some supporters emphasize the early developmental stage. Tesla’s ambitious timeline targets production launch by 2026 with millions of units within a few years, underscoring the high stakes and transformative vision behind Optimus despite current technical hurdles.