By TOI Tech Desk
Publication Date: 2026-03-10 09:23:00
Tesla investor and influencer, Sawyer Merritt recently shared a video on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) showing Nvidia-backed startup Figure AI’s Helox 02 Humanoid robot doing household chores. In the video shared, the humanoid can be seen clearing the table, picking up toys, arranging cushions on a couch and even turning off the television. The demonstration quickly drew attention online, highlighting the progress of humanoid robotics backed by Nvidia and other major investors.
Elon Musk ’s query
Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded directly to the post asking “Autonomously or remotely operated?”. His question reflected ongoing skepticism about whether humanoid robots showcased in such demonstrations are truly autonomous or teleoperated behind the scenes.
Figure AI’s response to Elon Musk’s query
Figure AI founder and CEO Brett Adcock, who previously co-founded Archer Aviation, replied to Elon Musk’s query, confirming the robot was operating independently. “Fully autonomous,” Adcock wrote, stressing that no remote operators were involved in the demonstration.
Tesla’s Optimus robot
This exchange between Elon Musk and Figure AI founder and CEO Brett Adcock comes amid the ongoing scrutiny of Tesla’s own humanoid robot, Optimus. The critics have also questioned its autonomy after a December video showed the robot removing a headset before collapsing, raising doubts about…
