Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, sparked significant buzz recently following the highly anticipated "We, Robot" event, which took place on October 10, 2024. This event not only unveiled Tesla's latest autonomous transport concepts, the Cybercab and Robovan, but it also brought to light some unexpected criticism and market reactions. Musk has long been viewed as both a visionary and controversial figure, and the latest rollout of his fleet of futuristic vehicles seems to have reignited those discussions.
The show featured innovative vehicles like the Cybercab, billed as the future of urban transport, and the Robovan, aimed at mass transit. Musk presented the Cybercab as particularly groundbreaking; it is fully autonomous, with no steering wheel or pedals, and is priced under $30,000. The aim is to attract urban transport users, making it not only affordable but also practical with estimated operating costs of about 20 cents per mile, significantly cheaper than traditional public transport.
But it wasn't just the glamor of the new designs catching the public's eye. The event also drew the attention of Alex Proyas, the director of the 2004 science fiction film I, Robot. Proyas took to social media to express his discontent, posting images comparing Tesla's newly unveiled robots and vehicles with those from his movie, asking rhetorically and somewhat humorously, "Hey Elon, can I have my designs back?" His comments swiftly gained traction online, garnering millions of views and thousands of likes.
This was not the first time the film has been referenced when discussing Tesla's new tech. Observers quickly noted how the design of the Robotaxi and the Optimus robot bore remarkable resemblances to the fictional robots from the movie, particularly the character Sonny, who played the role of a sentient robot. Proyas’s jab points to the larger conversation around design ownership and originality within the tech industry, especially as Musk's designs continue to evoke memories of classic science fiction.
While already facing scrutiny, the event was not to be overshadowed by creative comparisons alone. Tesla investors also voiced their disappointment. Following the event, Tesla's stock plummeted nearly 9% the next day. Analysts attributed much of this to how the event failed to provide the detailed rollout plan investors had hoped for—something financial experts viewed as necessary for reassurance on Tesla's promises.
Concerns were raised about the practicality of the Cybercab’s two-seat format. Critics pointed out the lack of luggage space and the absence of accommodations for disabled passengers, which could severely limit both appeal and regulatory approval. Musk had stated ambitious targets for production, with plans to begin manufacturing by 2026 and aiming for public availability by 2027, but many were skeptical of these timelines.
Also on display was the Robovan, which was showcased as capable of carrying up to 20 passengers. Aimed at various functions, it could serve not just as transportation but could potentially be adapted for delivery and other commercial uses. Musk touted its design as futuristic yet practical, resembling more of a sleek bus than traditional vehicles.
The aesthetic differences between the Robovan's futuristic look and initial public perception echoed those criticisms made about the Cybercab. Analysts from Jeffries published notes labeling the event “We, underwhelmed,” expressing disappointment not just for the products, but for the vague information surrounding their operational aspects.
Market reactions were visceral, with shares becoming volatile. This turmoil came at the heels of earlier bullish predictions. Prior to the event, Tesla stocks had seen considerable gains, rising over 70% throughout the year amid growing AI speculation and optimism. The sharp decline prompted thoughts on whether Tesla could successfully compete against established rivals like Waymo, which are already deploying fleets of self-driving vehicles.
Others, like Paul Miller from Forrester, pointed out the stark challenge Musk faces with these vehicles, underscoring the significant gap between projections and reality. Miller expressed doubts about the feasibility of bringing such designs to market within the quoted price points without external support or substantial sacrifices on Tesla's margins.
Beyond the new designs, the event raised questions about regulatory paths for such breakthrough technology. The Association for Computing Machinery previously cautioned against assuming autonomous vehicles would inherently make roads safer. This skepticism is echoed when consideration is made concerning the Cybercab’s unique design which would require serious deliberation to be deemed safe by existing laws.
Despite many unanswered questions, Tesla's intentions seem firmly rooted in establishing itself as the leader of the autonomous vehicle revolution. Regardless of the controversies, the very dialogue surrounding Musk's latest endeavors highlights the polarizing yet captivating nature of his ambitions. They anchor exciting prospects for electric vehicle technology, but also point to the hurdles Musk will need to navigate as he aims for mass market acceptance.
The presentation may not have achieved all its intended aims, but it clearly set the stage for increased scrutiny—both of the designs and the intentions behind them. For now, as speculation about the future continues, it would seem one thing is certain: the intersection of technology and imagination will be closely watched, and perhaps, continuously critiqued.
