Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) CEO Elon Musk has positioned the company’s Optimus humanoid robot and xAI‘s AI model Grok as viable alternatives to state-funded healthcare services. Musk’s remarks on social media platform X on Thursday came in response to a post addressing the tragic death of a 44-year-old man in Canada, who reportedly waited over eight hours at the Grey Nuns Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta.
“Government healthcare is like having the DMV as your doctor,” Musk stated, further asserting that Grok and Optimus would offer superior healthcare solutions. He emphasized, “Grok and Optimus will provide incredible healthcare for all,” reflecting his continued enthusiasm for the potential applications of these technologies in the healthcare sector.
Musk has previously highlighted Optimus’ healthcare capabilities, suggesting that the robot could perform surgeries and referring to it as an “infinite money glitch.” He also expressed that the technology could contribute to achieving a universal high income.
In addition to healthcare, Musk has outlined various future applications for Optimus. He envisions a society where the robot could help prevent crime, asserting that it would be able to monitor individuals to deter unlawful behavior. Musk has indicated that Optimus could represent over 80% of Tesla’s future value as the company shifts its focus towards AI and robotics, as outlined in its Master Plan IV.
However, the efficacy of Optimus’ autonomous capabilities has come under scrutiny following a recent event where the robot was showcased at a Tesla gathering. A video circulating on social media depicted Optimus standing behind a counter, offering water to attendees, before mimicking the action of removing a headset and subsequently falling to the ground. Notably, the robot was not wearing any headgear at the time, raising questions about whether it was indeed operated autonomously or controlled remotely by a teleoperator. Musk had previously claimed that the robot was driven by AI, especially after a demonstration of its martial arts skills.
Amid these developments, Tesla’s stock has shown a slight decline. According to Benzinga Pro data, shares of TSLA slipped by 0.11% to $485.03 during after-hours trading. Despite mixed sentiments regarding its long-term value, Tesla continues to score well on momentum and quality metrics, although it has received lower ratings for value.
Musk’s ambitious claims about Optimus and Grok not only underscore his vision for the future of healthcare but also reflect broader discussions about the role of technology in addressing systemic issues in public services. As the potential applications for AI and robotics continue to evolve, stakeholders will be closely observing how these innovations may reshape various sectors, particularly healthcare.
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