**Tesla's Optimus Robots: A Spectacular Show, But Not Quite Autonomous Yet**

Tesla’s “We, Robot” event, hosted at the Warner Bros. studio lot near Los Angeles, sought to showcase its humanoid Optimus robots and generate excitement around future products. Though the event was visually stunning, it soon became evident that the robots were not as autonomous as they initially appeared, resulting in skepticism about their readiness for the consumer market.

During the event, attendees engaged with Optimus robots that performed tasks such as pouring drinks, playing games, and even flashing peace signs. This was a significant advancement from prototypes displayed just two years ago, which struggled to move without assistance. Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, made grand assertions about Optimus, claiming it could potentially be the "biggest product ever of any kind" and capable of performing various household tasks. Musk estimated that Optimus could eventually be available for $20,000 to $30,000.

However, behind the lifelike movements, some inconsistencies came to light. Videos showed that the robots were being remotely controlled by human operators who were not visible to the attendees. In one particular video, an Optimus robot candidly admitted it was "assisted by a human." This sparked online discussions, with critics pointing out that this detail was not openly addressed during Musk’s presentation.

Reports indicate that the robots used human tele-operators donning special suits to guide their movements. This isn't the first instance of Tesla’s bold AI claims facing scrutiny. Earlier this year, a video of an Optimus robot folding a shirt garnered criticism after viewers noticed a human hand was involved. Such admissions have led to questions about Tesla’s progress in robotics.

Sources close to Tesla reported that showcasing the Optimus robots wasn't part of the original event plan. Just weeks before the event, Musk allegedly decided to include the robots, pushing the team to ensure they were at least somewhat functional. This last-minute inclusion likely explains the need for remote human control instead of full AI integration.

While the Optimus robots were a crowd-pleaser, their actual capabilities remain under scrutiny. The event underscored the distance between Tesla’s vision of autonomous robots and the current reality. For entertainment purposes, the robots shined, but for investors and industry experts, the event left unanswered questions. Moving forward, Tesla must bridge the gap between its ambitious promises and the current state of its technology to truly bring Optimus to life without human intervention.