Tesla Optimus Robot Dances Like a Human — Real or Fake?

Tesla’s humanoid robot Optimus is making headlines once again—this time with its unexpectedly smooth dance moves. In a new video shared by Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk, Optimus showcases its human-like flexibility and rhythm, moving with surprising realism. The clip, posted on X, quickly went viral, sparking debate about whether it was authentic or generated using artificial intelligence.

Musk initially shared the video without context but later confirmed it was genuine, saying, “This is real, real-time.” Even X’s AI chatbot Grok weighed in, pointing out that Tesla has previously demonstrated Optimus dancing at the “We, Robot” event in October 2024, and noted recent updates to its walking abilities as of April 2025.

Unlike traditional robots that follow pre-programmed instructions, Tesla claims Optimus learns by interacting with the world and running countless simulations. That makes it more than just a robot—it is a learning machine that adapts, which could make it a powerful addition to industries like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.

Musk has called Optimus one of Tesla’s most important innovations, estimating its impact could help unlock a potential $25 trillion market. However, progress is not without hurdles. Last month, Musk revealed that Chinese export restrictions on rare earth magnets—critical components for Optimus—had temporarily affected development. He clarified these materials were strictly intended for Tesla’s robotics division.