Elon Musk unveils 5’8” humanoid robot for your daily chores, prototype to be launched in 2022

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced during the company’s AI event on Thursday that the carmaker would branch out into humanoid robots.

Musk unveiled the “Tesla Bot,” a 5-foot-8, 125-pound robot that would have a screen where its face should be that would present information. According to the CEO, the humanoid robot would be capable of deadlifting 150 pounds and carrying about 45 pounds, though it would travel at only about 5 mph.

The robot with a human-like appearance would carry out the work people like to do least, with “profound implications for the economy,” Musk said at the company’s AI Day event on Thursday.

“Basically, if you think about what we’re doing right now with cars, Tesla is arguably the world’s biggest robotics company because our cars are like semi-sentient robots on wheels,” Musk said.

According to Tesla, the aim is to develop the next generation of automation, including a general-purpose, bi-pedal, humanoid robot capable of performing tasks that are unsafe, repetitive, or boring.

On its website, Tesla said it is seeking mechanical, electrical, controls, and software engineers to help leverage their expertise beyond the vehicle fleet.

“In the long term, I do think there needs to be universal basic income. But not right now because the robot doesn’t work,” Musk said. Reports claim that the prototype of the unveiled latest Tesla bot will be launched in 2022, however, when it will go for sale and its prices are still unknown.