Tesla robot Optimus hands out popcorn in Berlin
Tesla introduced its humanoid robot named Optimus to the public in Berlin.
The machine delivered popcorn at the Christmas market at the LP12 shopping center, also known as the Mall of Berlin, on Saturday.
The robot picked up small popcorn boxes, filled them and distributed them to visitors.
There was a long queue at the stand.
As with other similar demonstrations from Tesla, it remained unclear to what extent Optimus acted autonomously or was at least partially remotely controlled.
Opti-Claus is coming to town @Tesla_Optimus will be handing out popcorn, almonds and maybe even take a photo with you… after revealing whether you’re bad or good London, Westfield – 13 December, 10am – 8pm https://t.co/6EedJQWzNcBerlin, Mall of Berlin – 20 December, 10am – 8pm…— Tesla Europe & Middle East (@teslaeurope) December 10, 2025
Although sales of Tesla’s electric cars are likely to fall again this year, CEO Elon Musk announced that the company’s future lies in autonomous “robotaxis” and humanoid robots.
Musk also predicts that in the future there will be more robots than humans in the world.
Driverless cars and robots will create a “world without poverty” where everyone has access to the best medical care.
“Optimus will be an incredible surgeon,” Musk said.
Musk said he hopes to start production of the robots by the end of next year.
According to the information obtained, some robots are controlled remotely during such shows.
A recent video of an Optimus robot falling backwards like a plank at an event in Miami caused a stir online.
But before he falls, he raises both arms to his head, and his movement suggests that the person controlling him remotely has removed a pair of 3D glasses.
Tesla did not comment on this matter.
Many Chinese companies are exploring robots, and US companies such as Agility Robotics and Figure AI are also working on using the machines in industry.
Meanwhile, Google’s sister company Waymo is a leader in autonomous driving.
While more than 2,500 self-driving vehicles are in use in various US cities, Tesla has so far operated only a few dozen cars with a controller in the passenger seat in Austin, Texas.
