Tesla showcased its humanoid robot, named Optimus, to the public in Berlin on December 9, 2025. The demonstration took place at the LP12 shopping centre, also known as the Mall of Berlin, where the robot entertained visitors by handing out popcorn at a Christmas market. As the crowd gathered, Optimus filled small popcorn boxes and distributed them to eager attendees, generating considerable interest.
This event drew a long queue of onlookers, curious about the capabilities of Tesla’s latest innovation. However, similar to previous demonstrations, questions arose regarding the robot’s level of autonomy. It remains unclear whether Optimus operated entirely on its own or was partially controlled remotely during the activity.
Future Aspirations and Challenges
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, envisions a future where robots like Optimus will play a significant role in society. He stated that the company aims to produce these humanoid robots by the end of 2026. Musk expressed optimism about the potential of self-driving vehicles and humanoid robots to create a “world without poverty,” ensuring everyone has access to quality medical care.
In his vision, Musk predicted that there could be more robots than humans in the future, with Optimus even capable of performing surgical procedures. His ambitious outlook aligns with Tesla’s shift towards developing autonomous technologies, including “robotaxis.”
Despite this optimistic vision, Tesla faces competition. Other companies are also advancing in robotics, with numerous Chinese firms engaged in research and development. In the United States, companies like Agility Robotics and Figure AI are exploring industrial applications for robots. Meanwhile, Waymo, a subsidiary of Google, leads the autonomous driving sector with over 2,500 driverless vehicles operating in various U.S. cities.
Public Reception and Technological Scrutiny
The public’s reaction to Optimus has been mixed, highlighted by a recent incident during a demonstration in Miami where the robot fell backward. Before the fall, the robot appeared to raise its arms to its head, leading to speculation that a remote operator was involved in removing 3D glasses. Tesla has not commented on this incident, which has sparked discussions about the authenticity of the robot’s capabilities.
As Tesla continues to promote its advancements in robotics and self-driving technology, the company must address concerns about the reliability and safety of its machines. The competition in this innovative field is fierce, and the path forward remains uncertain as the company strives to balance ambitious goals with practical execution.
On December 20, 2025, Optimus is set to make another appearance in Berlin, where it will again engage with the public, handing out popcorn and possibly taking pictures with visitors. As Tesla pushes the boundaries of technology, the spotlight remains on how well Optimus can perform autonomously and what that means for the future of robotics.
