Proyas voiced his frustrations on social media after Tesla’s recent unveiling of the Cybercab and Optimus robot at the “We, Robot” event. He joked, “Hey Elon, can I have my designs back, please?”
The Cybercab, a self-driving vehicle with winged doors, and the humanoid Optimus have drawn comparisons to the advanced technology showcased in I, Robot. Tesla’s Optimus, designed to perform factory tasks autonomously, and the Cybercab align with Musk’s vision for autonomous transportation, sparking further controversy over Proyas’ claims.
The director’s comments have fueled discussions about the overlap between science fiction and real-world innovation. While Musk has not directly responded to the accusations, the event added intrigue to Tesla’s technological ambitions. Proyas’ remarks also highlight the growing influence of futuristic films on tech development.
Tesla continues to push forward with plans to make Optimus a mass-market product by 2025, with initial production starting in late 2024. Meanwhile, the debate over intellectual property and inspiration versus imitation persists within the tech and entertainment industries.
