Tesla Expands its Showroom Experience with Optimus Robots
Tesla plans to deploy its Optimus robot, also called Tesla Bot, in showrooms to boost customer engagement and drive sales. Industry sources indicate that the company has begun placing Optimus androids in display areas at selected car dealerships in China. The electric vehicle maker has observed strong interest in robotics at industry events and exhibitions, and believes that Optimus could help draw more visitors to showrooms and convert visits into purchases.
As noted by Electrek, visitors shouldn’t expect Optimus to roam the exhibition hall and engage with customers as a sales manager right away. The report also suggests that future iterations could explore more interactive roles, but for now the robot’s function is primarily to attract attention and demonstrate Tesla’s cutting-edge technology.
The Optimus android uses computer vision and autopilot-based systems to navigate its surroundings. Reports describe a battery capacity of 2.3 kWh, sufficient for a day of operation at a nominal voltage of 52 V. The unit weighs under 73 kilograms, with a top speed of 8 km/h and the capability to lift loads up to 20 kilograms. These specifications position Optimus as a visible, high-tech companion in the showroom, designed to showcase robotics innovation while remaining safe and practical for public environments.
Earlier, Elon Musk commented on the possibility of adding Tesla robots to various digital and entertainment experiences, including collaborations tied to popular games. This broader strategy reflects Tesla’s ambition to integrate autonomous robotics into everyday life and commerce, reinforcing the brand’s emphasis on practical, scalable AI and automation solutions.
In Canada and the United States, showroom teams are observing customer reactions to the presence of robots in retail spaces. The use of Optimus in physical showrooms is part of a larger trend toward experiential retail, where brands combine product demonstrations with interactive technologies to create memorable, informative visits. By placing Optimus in prominent display areas, Tesla aims to give potential buyers a tangible sense of the company’s engineering capabilities while preserving the human, consultative experience essential to car shopping. The approach focuses on curiosity and education, inviting visitors to learn about robotics, AI, and the future of mobility as they explore vehicle options and financing plans.
Analysts note that the ultimate impact on sales will depend on how well the robots support human staff, facilitate demonstrations, and respond to customer inquiries. Tesla appears committed to refining the balance between automated display and human interaction, ensuring that Optimus serves as a compelling gateway to deeper product knowledge rather than a substitute for customer service. In practice, the robots are expected to function as eye-catching, informational anchors within the showroom ecosystem, guiding guests toward test drives, feature explanations, and personalized consultations with sales representatives.