"The Terminator + Neo in one!": Internet reacts as Elon Musk shares clip of Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot learning Kung fu

Tech billionaire Elon Musk, who has been actively promoting AI and automation, has recently shared a clip of Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot learning Kung Fu from an instructor. Optimus is a general-purpose robot being developed by Tesla in 2021. The humanoid bot has a separate page on X, where it can be seen performing many daily tasks, from serving popcorn to dancing.

The capabilities of Tesla's robot have been advancing over time. In the clip shared by Elon Musk on October 4, the Optimus can be seen training with a kung fu instructor. The Tesla bot can be seen attacking and blocking. From one leg kick to arm reload, robots were trying to mimic human moves as closely as possible. Elon Musk, who is very optimistic about Optimus, pinned this video.

Netizens were quick enough to share their reaction to it. An X user seemed impressed with Optimus and called it a combination of Terminator and househelp humanoid robot Neo.

"The Terminator + Neo in one!... Will buy immediately. Need an in-home sparring partner."

Matthew Talmage

@realMTalmage

The Terminator + Neo in one!​Will buy immediately. Need an in-home sparring partner.

Netizens react to Elon Musk showcasing the fighting skills of Tesla's Optimus

Elon Musk confirmed that Tesla's Optimus is not a tele-operated robot but rather functions on its own using AI. A user called this feat "insane."

"Elon confirms this is NOT tele-operated but actually AI. Do you realize how incredibly INSANE this is?"

Another X user shared a use case of the robot learning kung fu and said it can be helpful for protecting kids.

"There will be almost no crime in the future. imagine having Optimus escort your kids around and scan strangers for threats. robots will become guardians."

While another netizen said that the use case of Optimus must be limited to daily chores.

"Very cool, but I want to see it take out the trash, wash and fold laundry and scrub the hard water spots off the shower doors."

An X user questioned the company, saying the humanoid robot was introduced, saying it was just for household work. The user expressed concern over the bot learning fighting skills.

"When you said these guys were just for house chores, I put it to you that you were actually building an army for the future. Now here we are. These are the same people who will eventually enforce the mark of the beast. There will be no compassion — they will go to war and destroy women and children without remorse. I only pray that this will be after the rapture, so I will not be here when that time comes."

Another user called out Elon Musk and wrote that if the Tesla CEO wanted people to believe that AI and robots will not take over, he shouldn't post videos of Optimus learning martial arts.

"Look Elon if you want us to believe AI and robots won't kill us all in the future you can't go around showing them learning kung-fu. You need to post pics of Optimus baking cookies or giving foot massages."

A user wrote that sci-fi movies in the past had warned people of the risks of AI and highly advanced robots.

"Something tells me this isn’t going to end well for humanity!.. Practically every sci-fi movie that past 30 years have warned about this moment!"

Elon Musk is doubling down on Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot

Elon Musk

@elonmusk

Those are the biggest factors. ​~80% of Tesla’s value will be Optimus

Elon Musk announced the prototype of Tesla's humanoid robot in 2022. In December 2023, the second generation of Optimus was unveiled. The robot was able to perform functions like poaching eggs. In 2024, the third generation of Tesla Bot was showcased at the company's 'We, Robot' event. Later in March 2025, Elon Musk announced that Optimus would go to Mars for exploration in 2026.

Musk believes that humanoid robots could eventually become a larger business for Tesla than its vehicle division.

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