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A notable moment at the event was a playful interaction where Dr. Scott played rock-paper-scissors with Optimus. Despite the fact that Optimus was teleoperated, the seamlessness of the interaction offered a glimpse into how humanoid robots might blend into human environments. Scott described the experience as “natural” and non-intimidating, largely due to Optimus’s generally human-like stature and movement.
The wellbeing of participants was clearly prioritized, as the robot's size—smaller than an average adult—fostered comfort rather than anxiety. The conversational exchange, the intuitive gestures, and even simple tasks like serving drinks made the robot feel more like a friendly collaborator than a daunting machine.
Scott's Reflections on Presence and Comfort: