Tesla investor and influencer, Sawyer Merritt recently shared a video on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) showing Nvidia-backed startup Figure AI’s Helox 02 Humanoid robot doing household chores. In the video shared, the humanoid can be seen clearing the table, picking up toys, arranging cushions on a couch and even turning off the television. The demonstration quickly drew attention online, highlighting the progress of humanoid robotics backed by Nvidia and other major investors.

Elon Musk’s query

Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded directly to the post asking “Autonomously or remotely operated?”. His question reflected ongoing skepticism about whether humanoid robots showcased in such demonstrations are truly autonomous or teleoperated behind the scenes.

Figure AI’s response to Elon Musk’s query

Figure AI founder and CEO Brett Adcock, who previously co-founded Archer Aviation, replied to Elon Musk’s query, confirming the robot was operating independently. “Fully autonomous,” Adcock wrote, stressing that no remote operators were involved in the demonstration.

Tesla’s Optimus robot

This exchange between Elon Musk and Figure AI founder and CEO Brett Adcock comes amid the ongoing scrutiny of Tesla’s own humanoid robot, Optimus. The critics have also questioned its autonomy after a December video showed the robot removing a headset before collapsing, raising doubts about whether it was teleoperated. Tesla has also showcased Optimus performing martial arts moves and running, with Musk insisting the actions were powered by AI rather than remote control.

The race for Humanoid AGI

Elon Musk has always claimed that Tesla will become the first company to achieve artificial general intelligence (AGI) in humanoid form. Musk believes that Optimus could one day help humans colonise other planets. On the other hand, its competitors are making progress in the humanoid segment. Recently, Xiaomi deployed its humanoid robots in its EV assembly plant.