The prototype robot showed off only limited abilities, however.

At its much-anticipated AI Day on Friday, Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) brought on stage a prototype of its Optimus humanoid robot slated for mass production in 3-5 years at a target price of less than $20,000. The humanoid is aimed at solving all kinds of boring and repetitive tasks, especially in the context of labor shortages. (INVESTOR’S BUSINESS DAILY)

When on stage, the robot did not impress much, walking unconfidently for a dozen or so steps and then executing a dance move and some hand motions.

“It wasn’t quite ready to walk, but it, I think, will walk in a few weeks,” Musk said. “Our goal is to make a useful humanoid robot as quickly as possible.”

When produced, Optimus would resemble more a human than an overbearing and formidable robot -after all its height would be only about 5ft 8 inches. Weighing all of 125 pounds, the robot would move at a stately 5 mp, and be able to pick up 150 pounds. It would be powered by the same computer that runs Tesla’s cars and keep tabs on its surroundings through eight cameras.

Rivals have already stolen a march on Tesla

A Reuters report observed that other automakers, including Toyota Motor (TYO: 7203) and Honda Motor (TYO: 7267), have already developed humanoid robot prototypes capable of doing complicated things like shooting a basketball.

Meanwhile, Boston Dynamics, now owned by Hyundai (KRX: 005380), has made a humanoid robot that can even do backflips and parkour.

However, only Tesla has the vision to deploy its humanoids in the millions on factory floors.

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