Elon Musk's Optimus serves popcorn, and we are thrilled (and a bit scared) | WATCH
Tesla’s humanoid robot Optimus made a splash at the soft launch of the Tesla Diner in Los Angeles by serving popcorn to first responders, blending sci-fi dreams with popcorn.
On July 19, 2025, Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, made a surprising appearance at the soft opening of the Tesla Diner and Supercharger location in Los Angeles, serving popcorn to local first responders. The event, which marked a milestone for the company’s futuristic diner concept, showcased Optimus performing tasks in a real-world setting, sparking excitement online.
Videos and posts on X captured Optimus handing out bags of popcorn to guests, with some attendees noting the robot’s ability to respond to cues in real time. While Tesla has not confirmed whether the robot was operating autonomously or via teleoperation, the demonstration aligns with CEO Elon Musk’s vision of Optimus as a versatile assistant for everyday tasks. “The future is officially here,” one X user posted, sharing footage of the robot in action.
Optimus, first unveiled in 2021, has been showcased performing tasks like serving drinks and dancing at Tesla’s “We, Robot” event in October 2024. Priced potentially between $20,000 and $30,000, Musk envisions Optimus as a household companion capable of chores from dog-walking to grocery shopping. The popcorn-serving debut, though small, hints at the robot’s growing role in Tesla’s ambitious AI-driven future.
The event drew praise for its novelty, with first responders reportedly delighted by the interaction. However, some online skepticism persists, with X users questioning the robot’s autonomy, citing past demonstrations that relied on human assistance. As Tesla gears up for limited Optimus production in 2025, this playful display really shows the company’s push to integrate humanoid robots into daily life.