Know Thyself
Humanoid Robots
How the Optimus Will Reshape Small Businesses, Society, and the Future
Pushing Boundaries
Elon Musk has always been a visionary, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, from electric cars to space travel. But at the recent Tesla Optimus launch, his declaration that humanoid robots could become the “most desirable purchase for billions of people” left me awestruck.
Watching these robots walk among people was an “aha” moment for me — it made me realise how close we are to a massive technological shift that will impact every aspect of life, including how we run small and medium businesses.
This epiphany stood in stark contrast to a conversation I had with friends, where many seemed unaware of the rapid advancements in robotics.
It got me thinking about how humanoid robots, specifically those like Tesla’s Optimus, will reshape businesses and society in the coming years.
Much like innovations of the past, such as television and smartphones, the introduction of intelligent robots into everyday life could be the next big leap — and one that will define a new era.
The Evolution of Robotics: From Factory Lines to Homes
Many years ago, while setting up a stand for the Border Kei Chamber of Business at the South African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX), I had the opportunity to collaborate with Daimler Chrysler.
One of the main exhibits was a “hands-on” C-Class Mercedes-Benz — a symbol of teamwork between workers and management. Alongside it, they shipped one of their industrial robots to demonstrate the precision involved in the car’s manufacturing process.
I vividly remember a technician programming the robot to move around the car, showing off its capabilities. However, this robot was just a machine following a predetermined path — it couldn’t “think” or interact with its environment.
Fast forward to 2024, and we now stand on the brink of a revolution with humanoid robots that are not just task-based machines but adaptive, intelligent entities.
Tesla’s Optimus isn’t just a fancy piece of tech for showrooms; it’s a robot that can think, speak, and learn.
It can observe tasks and adapt to new situations — a far cry from the factory robots of yesteryear. These humanoid robots will soon become integrated into our homes and businesses, and the implications of that are profound.
The Role of Humanoid Robots in Small and Medium Businesses
For small and medium businesses (SMBs), humanoid robots could represent both a challenge and an opportunity. In the early stages, these robots will likely assist with manual, repetitive tasks that consume valuable time and resources.
Imagine a robot like Optimus taking over stock management, filing paperwork, or handling customer service queries. Instead of spending time on administrative tasks, business owners can focus on strategy, growth, and customer experience.
Robots like Optimus will enhance the customer experience by delivering consistency and personalisation that could be difficult to achieve with human staff alone. They’ll provide real-time assistance, whether it’s greeting customers at a store, processing payments, or even offering product recommendations based on a customer’s preferences.
There’s no denying that a shift this massive will disrupt certain roles.
Receptionists, basic administrative assistants, cleaners, and even some manual labor roles such as stock packers may be replaced.
But if history has taught us anything, it’s that every technological leap — from the steam engine to the internet — has initially seemed daunting, only to create new industries and opportunities down the line.
The Societal Impact: Facing the Fear of Unemployment
One of the most immediate reactions to humanoid robots entering the workforce is the fear of mass unemployment. If these robots can mow the lawn, do the laundry, assist children with homework, and even cook meals, where does that leave human workers?
This is reminiscent of the fears that arose during other technological revolutions, such as the introduction of electricity by Nikola Tesla, or the fear that television would lead to the collapse of social interactions.
It’s easy to focus on what might be lost — jobs, roles, traditions — but we must also consider what might be gained.
The widespread adoption of robots like Optimus will likely shift the nature of work, but it won’t eliminate work altogether. Roles that require emotional intelligence, creativity, and human connection will remain, while new opportunities will arise in areas like robot maintenance, AI training, and programming.
Think about the shifts we’ve already witnessed in society. When cell phones were first introduced in South Africa in 1994, Vodacom predicted there would be demand for around 400,000 units. Instead, demand far exceeded expectations, and today, mobile technology is indispensable. Similarly, as online shopping has eclipsed traditional retail stores, new markets have emerged, from e-commerce giants to delivery services.
The introduction of humanoid robots will follow a similar trajectory. While it may seem like robots will eliminate jobs, they will also create new industries and roles we can’t even imagine yet.
Embracing Change: A Historical Perspective on Technology
Every major technological leap has been met with resistance. When television arrived in South Africa in the 1970s, people poured their savings into buying the latest sets. The same happened with the introduction of cell phones and fiber optic internet, which replaced older technologies like landlines. And yet, each of these shifts ultimately improved our lives, creating new conveniences, industries, and jobs.
Humanoid robots will likely follow a similar path. Initially, they will seem expensive and even intimidating. But as costs decrease (Musk predicts about the price of a car) and the technology becomes more mainstream, we’ll wonder how we ever lived without them.
In the same way that streaming services have replaced DVDs, and smartphones have replaced landlines, robots will become everyday companions — helping with household chores, assisting in businesses, and even providing companionship.
As society adjusts, we’ll see major shifts in the workforce. Domestic workers, for example, may find their roles evolving, with a greater focus on managing and interacting with these robots.
Receptionists and personal assistants might transition into new roles, overseeing robot operations or taking on more creative tasks that require human intuition.
Change Is Inevitable, and Often Beneficial
Every significant technological advancement has triggered fears of unemployment and societal collapse. Yet, in each case, these fears have proven largely unfounded.
Yes, change can be uncomfortable — even painful at times. But, as history has shown, each leap forward leads to better opportunities, higher living standards, and a more connected world.
Humanoid robots like Tesla’s Optimus will undoubtedly bring about major changes. But rather than focusing on the jobs that might be lost, we should look ahead to the new possibilities they will create. Whether it’s improving efficiency in small businesses, freeing people from mundane tasks, or opening new industries, robots will likely be key drivers in shaping a more prosperous future.
After all, the world we live in today, with its smartphones, fiber-optic networks, and e-commerce platforms, is unimaginably better than the one our grandparents inhabited. Humanoid robots are just the next chapter in this ongoing story of progress.
So if your mind doesn’t believe this is possible or imminent, Elon Musk says Optimus will be available in 2025.
Musk certainly has the track record for delivering.
The world will change forever.
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