As humanity continues to advance, technology rapidly improves. One of the most recent and significant technological developments are the Tesla Optimus Robots, that where developed by Elon Musk.
The robots were released as part of a limited production in January of 2025, and were seen in public with celebrities like Kim Kardashian. There has been a great amount of speculation about the robot’s and their functions.
There are a wide range of opinions on the necessity of the robots and their value to society. Hayden Edwards, 12, thinks that the robots aren’t necessary regardless of their potential to replace human labor and the possible benefits that could come with that.
“They’re not that needed,” Edwards stated, “You don’t need robots to completely replace what a person can do, but at the same time, in some things you’d rather a machine that can’t get tired do a job than a person.”
The potential for completing labor currently done by humans is one of the most prolific talking points in regard to the robots’ potential. Elon Musk, the creator of the robots and CEO of Tesla stated that the robots will likely be available for consumer purchase by 2026. They will cost anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000, making them a likely purchase for the wealthy, but their high cost makes many people question whether or not they need to exist in the first place.
Unsurprisingly, not all potential customers see a reason to purchase the robots, and some students at Lake Ridge feel similar. Minhquan La, sophomore, doesn’t feel the need to buy because of their price, as well as their potential to encourage laziness
“I think one day they’re gonna be doing all our chores, but they’re gonna be overpriced,” La stated, “I would never buy one because they’d be overpriced, and honestly, just lazy.”
Since they were released, people have had questions and theories in relation to many aspects of the robots. The robots also brought on mixed thoughts over their potential to make changes in society. The robots were created to perform a wide range of tasks that may be dangerous for humans, but as with any new invention or innovation, there is always the potential of adverse effects or malfunctions.
There have even been discussions on the possibility of the robots creating new dangers for the people they’re meant to help. Joshua Gillian, sophomore, feels that there won’t be any danger as long as the right safety measures are taken.
“I don’t think I would buy one because I don’t think I’d have a use for them, but I see why people don’t like them,” Gillian stated,”I think they’re cool; I don’t think they can be dangerous if the right protocols are put in place”
Hayden Edwards, senior, believes anyone who might own one should maintain caution.
“You never know what could go wrong with robots,” Edwards stated, “I say keep your eye on it if you’ve got one.”
There have been differing opinions not only over the robots’ potential for danger, but also if it might be possible for them to take over the world. To some, the robots’ existence seems to be the beginning of a parallel to media in which robot takeover is the primary plot, while to others, the robots are simply the beginning of a new age of technological advancement.
In 2026 the robots will be released and the world will see the effects of their creation on a mass-level. While many may be uncertain about the robots and what they may be able to do, all that is left is to wait and observe what will come next.