BREAKING: Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, made a spectacular debut today in Berlin, captivating crowds at the Mall of Berlin by handing out popcorn. As shoppers flocked to the Christmas market, the robot filled and distributed small popcorn boxes, creating an exciting buzz and drawing a long line of eager visitors.
The demonstration, held on December 20, 2025, showcased Optimus’s capabilities, although questions lingered about its level of autonomy. Observers noted that it remains unclear whether the robot was operating independently or under partial remote control, as has been suggested in past demonstrations.
In a tweet from Tesla Europe & Middle East, the company confirmed that Optimus will continue its festive appearances, with another event scheduled for December 13 at Westfield London, from 10 AM to 8 PM. The excitement around these events reflects Tesla’s push into robotics, with CEO Elon Musk predicting a future where robots outnumber humans and assist in various fields, including healthcare.
Musk emphasized the revolutionary potential of robots like Optimus, stating, “Optimus will be an incredible surgeon.” He aims to kickstart production of these humanoid machines by late next year, aiming to transform industries and potentially reduce poverty through innovative technology.
However, Tesla’s journey in autonomous technology is not without challenges. Recent footage from a demonstration in Miami raised eyebrows when an Optimus robot toppled backward after seemingly responding to a remote command. Such incidents have sparked scrutiny and discussions about the reliability and safety of robotic systems in public settings.
While Tesla is making strides, it faces stiff competition from other companies in the robotics sector. Chinese firms are heavily investing in robotic research, and companies like Agility Robotics are exploring industrial applications. Meanwhile, Waymo, Google’s sister company, leads the field in autonomous vehicles, boasting over 2,500 driverless cars deployed across various U.S. cities.
As Tesla navigates its ambitious plans for both self-driving “robotaxis” and humanoid robots, the upcoming weeks will be crucial. With demonstrations drawing large crowds and Musk’s bold visions of a tech-driven future, all eyes will be on how Optimus performs and what developments will emerge from Tesla’s robotics initiatives.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds and more public demonstrations are scheduled.
