The age of AI has already begun.
With ChatGPT, we can now generate text, images, voice, even video. It’s not “coming soon” — it’s already here.
But changing the physical world takes one more step: integration with IoT.
AI can process data, but it can’t touch the real world. That’s where robots come in — they allow AI to physically interact with reality. Optimus is a symbol of that.
Tesla Optimus is a device meant to carry us into the age of automation, without rewriting our entire society.
From AI’s point of view, it’s the interface to the real world.
No need to reinvent roads, elevators, or doors. Optimus — and other robots being built by Big Tech — are designed to move through the world as it is. They’re general-purpose labor bodies, built to help AI function inside existing human infrastructure.
What we’re seeing now is, I think, a robot plan to AIoT the world.
Everything will be connected, automated, decision-capable, and able to act.
And the reason robots need to be humanoid is finally becoming clear: they’re designed to fit into our world, not the other way around.
Automation will move faster than we expect.
Car companies might end up as manufacturers of “just empty boxes” — simple transport units. These boxes don’t need intelligence. In fact, automation works better when things follow spec, stay predictable, and don’t think too much.
In Japan’s case, I wouldn’t be surprised if the government eventually distributes robots like Tesla Optimus.
You give up your driver’s license, and in return, get a subsidy for a household robot. That kind of world might not be a joke — it might be real, and sooner than we think.
But the tech and quality needed to make those robots — that’s where Japan comes in.
Humanoid robots are hard to build. They can’t afford to break down. Batteries, motors, sensors, thermal systems, materials — all of it needs to be precise and reliable.
That’s exactly what Japan has spent decades getting good at.
Manufacturing and quality control — those might be Japan’s last strongholds.
And they’re exactly what the world is looking for right now.