Top film director Alex Proyas expressed doubt over designs presented at Tesla’s recent robotics event. Proyas, known for sci-fi films like “I, Robot” and “Dark City”, took to social media after Thursday’s event. He posted photos comparing Tesla’s new robots to landmark designs from his 2004 movie “I, Robot”.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk showed prototypes including Optimus, an autonomous robot, and the Cybercab self-driving taxi. Both drew comparisons to robots in “I, Robot”. That film pictured humanoid robots serving the public under Isaac Asimov’s famous “three rules of robotics.” It received an Oscar nomination for its effects.
Proyas questioned the new designs. “Hey Elon, Can I have my designs back please?” he wrote online. However, Musk and Tesla have not yet responded to Proyas’ concerns.
Hey Elon, Can I have my designs back please? #ElonMusk #Elon_Musk pic.twitter.com/WPgxHevr6E
— Alex Proyas (@alex_proyas) October 13, 2024
Thursday’s event aimed to preview Tesla’s robotics work. But the company later clarified the Optimus robots were remote-controlled, not fully autonomous as initially stated. This and Proyas’ accusations have brought scrutiny.
Despite enthusiasm, Tesla stock dropped after the event. Some investors may have wanted more advanced prototypes. Proyas is set to direct a new sci-fi satire called “R.U.R.” in Australia later this month.
As robotics rapidly evolve, the exchange highlights tricky issues around creative works. Developers must balance inspiration with avoiding too close a replication of others’ ideas. Only more dialogue can resolve questions over boundaries in futuristic designs.