At the last shareholders’ meeting, where Tesla CEO Elon Musk celebrated the approval of his new salary package with dancing Optimus robots, an uncanny preview of the future was shared. Musk, when asked about whether these Tesla robots could get to see the consciousness of a real human being, responded affirmatively, confirming that people could have Tesla bots with such consciousness in less than 20 years.
Speaking at Tesla’s recent shareholder meeting, Musk outlined how the Tesla Optimus robot might soon host human consciousness via Neuralink integration. The process, which could mark a notable shift in robotics, may be less than 20 years away, said Musk.
Elon Musk wants Optimus robots to feature human consciousness
The Tesla Optimus robot, which was first unveiled in 2021 as a general-purpose humanoid, is designed to tackle repetitive, dangerous, or mundane tasks that currently burden humanity. Standing at approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing around 56 kilograms, this bipedal robot can walk autonomously, lift objects with precision, and execute complex actions like sorting inventory, assembling components, or even assisting with household chores.
At its core lies Tesla’s cutting-edge neural network AI, borrowed from the company’s autonomous driving technology. This allows Optimus to learn and adapt in real-time environments.
Musk’s most ambitious revelation centered on mind uploading, a science fiction concept that now seems to be edging toward reality. “It’s not immediate,” said Musk, confirming that the company is working on capturing a snapshot of the human mind for transfer into an Optimus body. “Of course, you won’t quite be the same,” as Musk clarified that the process wouldn’t be a flawless copy.
However, he added that, “On the other hand, are you the same person that you were five years ago? Nope. I mean a lot of things have changed.”
Musk also positioned the Tesla humanoid robot as an economic game-changer. The robot could be used to automate most physical labour, ranging from factory floors to domestic duties. Optimus could usher in an era of “sustainable abundance,” slashing costs, skyrocketing productivity, and freeing individuals for creative pursuits. “Robots like Optimus could handle most physical jobs,” Musk added. He envisions mass production ramping up next year, with the robot priced affordably enough for every household, potentially under $20,000, as the rumours say.
