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Tesla’s humanoid robot Optimus amazed the crowd with its kung fu skills at the global unveiling of Tron: ARES in Los Angeles. The robot showcased its martial arts moves alongside actor Jared Leto, and the video went viral on social media instantly.
The Optimus model wasn’t just posing; it took on an entire kung fu posture, showing footwork and balance with unexpectedly great fluidity. Jared Leto, who responded in a friendly fight pose, then turned the scene into a funny and light-hearted cinematic moment with his antics.
Tesla claims that the Optimus robot performed autonomously, using AI without any human control. Elon Musk also insisted that it is autonomous with no human involvement. So far, we have only seen Optimus during its training session, where it imitated human motion in a laboratory. However, the one that showed up on the red carpet was indeed a superior demonstration of balance in a real-world environment.
However, industry experts have found an uncanny similarity between the robot’s moves on the red carpet and the ones we have already seen in the laboratory. The latest videos have kicked off a social media storm, with some questioning whether these moves were choreographed.
Despite the ongoing debate, the red carpet showcase displayed Tesla’s advancement in movement planning, sensor feedback, and joint coordination. The event was a joint effort by Tesla, xAI, and Disney to blend robotics with entertainment and bring AI into the public spotlight.
While the videos went viral instantly, Tesla has been dragged into a legal issue. A robotics technician, Peter Hinterdobler, filed a lawsuit, alleging that the robot unexpectedly started up and pinned him down, the weight of the counterbalance posing a great threat. The incident dates back to February 2025 during a maintenance procedure at Hinterdobler's engine factory.
The case highlights the real risks associated with the industrial and maintenance environment ahead, which is why the Advanced Robotics Lab at the university must take great care.
This public kung fu show is a considerable leap in Optimus' development. In previous demos, we have seen human involvement; now, there is clear autonomy for the robot. The balance displayed by Optimus was more refined, the poses were smoother, and the robot had faster posture adjustments. This is a strong indication of its development towards a more capable and independent humanoid system.
Now, apart from being used in factories, Optimus is also being projected as a cultural performer. Such events are instrumental in helping the public see robots not merely as tools but as companions. If Tesla proceeds with the deployment of humanoids in public spaces, society will likely start to accept them as part of daily life even sooner.
The kung fu demonstration at the Red Carpet should not be regarded merely as a promotional activity, but as a public exposure that showcases Optimus as capable, smart, smooth, and reliable. Additionally, it is a milestone in the constantly changing intersection of AI, robotics, and human culture.
Also Read: Tesla Faces EV Challenges but Musk Bets Big on Robotaxis and Robots for Growth
