The recent “We, Robot” event by Tesla has sparked significant discussion online. This event introduced several new products, including the Cybercab – a self-driving vehicle designed for consumers, and the Robovan – a public transport vehicle capable of carrying 20 passengers. Alongside these unveilings, Tesla also revealed a new version of the Optimus robot. However, what caught attention was not just the technology presented by Tesla, but also the controversy surrounding the originality of these products.
In a noteworthy reaction, Alex Proyas, the director of the famous film “I, Robot” (2004), spoke out about the surprising similarities between Tesla’s designs and familiar images from his movie. Proyas did not hesitate to accuse Elon Musk of “borrowing” design elements from his work, suggesting that Tesla has recreated ideas from “I, Robot” in their latest products.
Tesla has long been known for its product launch events that attract considerable attention, and “We, Robot” was no exception. One of the highlights of this event was the Cybercab, a fully autonomous taxi that Tesla promises will deliver a new travel experience for users. Additionally, the Robovan – a large self-driving vehicle capable of transporting up to 20 people – was introduced, along with the latest update on the humanoid robot, Optimus.
However, shortly after the presentation, mixed opinions began to surface. Debates surrounding the practicality of the Optimus robot and the reliability of the self-driving technology in the new models gained traction. Yet, the event became even more prominent due to the allegations that Tesla might have borrowed ideas from the film “I, Robot.”
Alex Proyas’s film “I, Robot,” released in 2004, depicted a vision where robots and artificial intelligence became integral to human life, while also warning of potential dangers. The name “We, Robot” for Tesla’s event immediately evoked associations with this film, and according to Proyas, the similarities extend beyond just the title.
On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Proyas openly shared his opinion. He wrote: “Hey Elon, can I get my design back?” – a clear critique suggesting that Tesla seems to have copied design ideas from “I, Robot.” Proyas’s comments quickly garnered attention and sparked a wave of controversy between Tesla supporters and those aligned with the director.
Some argue that it is inevitable for real-life robots and self-driving vehicles to bear similarities to fictional representations on screen. Humanoid robots, particularly in the context of advancing technology, are likely to share common features in appearance and function. However, not only robots but Tesla’s vehicles have also been accused of resembling designs from “I, Robot.”
The Robovan, Tesla’s new self-driving transport, has been compared to the drone delivery vehicles featured in the film. The Cybercab – Tesla’s self-driving taxi – has also been noted for its similarities to the vehicle driven by the protagonist in “I, Robot.” This has intensified criticism regarding Tesla’s alleged borrowing of concepts from the film.
The vehicle driven by the hero in “I, Robot” – the Audi RSQ – was designed as a futuristic version of contemporary sports cars. With spheres instead of wheels and butterfly doors resembling Tesla’s models, the Audi RSQ became a symbol of pioneering technology. However, while the RSQ boasted a powerful V10 5.0-liter engine, Tesla’s Cybercab is equipped with a fully electric powertrain – showcasing a clear technological difference despite visual similarities.
Not only Alex Proyas expressed dissatisfaction, but others who worked on “I, Robot” also spoke out. Matt Granger, former assistant to Proyas, posted a status update (later deleted), criticizing Elon Musk for the “lack of creativity” in Tesla’s designs. Granger even added a strong critique, claiming that Tesla’s new products seemed to lack innovation.
However, there are also opinions suggesting that Tesla is following an inevitable trend in technological development, where it is unavoidable for designs to share similarities with previously seen on-screen images. As robots and self-driving cars become increasingly common, technology companies are entering a phase where cinematic visions of the future gradually become reality.
Despite the controversies surrounding the “We, Robot” event, it is clear that Tesla is making significant bets on the future of robots and artificial intelligence. With products like Optimus, Cybercab, and Robovan, Tesla hopes to revolutionize the transportation and manufacturing industries, ushering in a new era in the relationship between humans and machines.
While Alex Proyas has valid reasons to feel that his designs have been copied, the evolution of modern technology is making many sci-fi ideas a reality. The question remains: will Tesla’s products truly step out from the shadow of “I, Robot” and achieve their own groundbreaking advancements, or will they merely echo the predictive imagery of cinema?
