Tesla's Optimus robot has taken its first tentative steps onto a ramp and the internet is captivated. The robot's shaky movements, which are hilariously reminiscent of a drunk person, have sparked a flood of comments.
Walking is an effortless act for us, but for robots it is an enormous technical challenge. Tesla's Optimus demonstrates this battle firsthand in a recent Instagram post. As the robot attempts to navigate uneven terrain and slopes, its movements are a testament to the complexity of replicating human mobility. The caption, “To walk like a human, you must first learn to stumble like a human,” humorously highlights the learning process and reminds us that even for advanced robots, mastering human-like movements takes time and perseverance.
This development has captured the attention of social media users around the world and has provoked responses ranging from light-hearted humor to deeper reflections on the future of humanoid robotics.
The video shows Optimus trying to navigate a sloping surface. The robot sways noticeably and resembles someone learning to walk or perhaps standing unsteadily on their feet. Several times it seems about to fall, but manages to regain balance and move on. These moments of near collapse, followed by recovery, highlight Optimus' progress in mastering balance and adapting to real-world challenges.
The video has sparked many reactions online.
One user wrote: “I come home drunk at 4am.”
Another user commented: “They deliberately made them walk like toddlers. You will be less afraid of them. Trust them to have developed robots that move as fast as a grown man and woman. They will market them as more effective and efficient.”
“I guess he won't pass the sobriety test,” the third user joked.