In a bold declaration at the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh, Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood identified humanoid robots as the most significant opportunity within the realm of embodied artificial intelligence. Wood elaborated on the transformative potential of AI-powered machines designed to mimic human form and function during an insightful interview.
“I think the chaser is going to be humanoid robots,” Wood stated, asserting their centrality in the next wave of AI advancements.
These comments were timely, as Tesla showcased its Optimus robot in the heart of New York City’s Times Square this past Monday. The robot became the center of attention while participating in a Halloween-themed event, distributing candy to onlookers near the iconic Nasdaq building. Two Optimus units delivered small bags of gummies, providing a festive touch to the bustling urban landscape.
🚨BREAKING: IN NEW YORK CITY, OPTIMUS IS CELEBRATING HALLOWEEN BY HANDING OUT CANDY TO RESIDENTS! $TSLApic.twitter.com/gtbAypigtR
— Tsla Archive (@tesla_archive) October 27, 2025
During this demonstration, the robot was notably plugged in, which led to some amusing moments captured on video where Optimus occasionally dropped and retrieved candy bags. Observers, including reporters from major networks, noted the thrill surrounding the display, which showcased the robot’s evolving capabilities.
Notably, the Tesla event also featured the Cybercab, an autonomous vehicle void of traditional driving controls, emphasizing the company’s commitment to pioneering innovations in both robotics and autonomous systems. This isn’t the first time Optimus has taken part in a candy distribution event; it previously delighted children at Tesla’s “Frunk or Treat” employee gathering, marking a series of public appearances aimed at showcasing its capabilities.
Clarifying Autonomy in Robotics
Questions around the operational independence of the Optimus robots have surfaced amidst these demonstrations. Past events, including a notable appearance at the 2024 “We Robot” showcase, indicated that human operators were controlling the robots, which has sparked a discussion about their level of autonomy.
Reports have indicated that Tesla is evolving its training methodologies, shifting away from motion capture techniques to utilizing video recordings of human workers to teach robots how to perform tasks.
In response to autonomy inquiries, Tesla CEO Elon Musk assured stakeholders during the company’s third-quarter earnings call that Optimus had operated independently at recent events, including a public showcase where it demonstrated impressive Kung Fu skills.
Investing in the Future of AI Robotics
Wood’s ARK Artificial Intelligence & Robotics ETF currently holds significant positions in companies pushing the boundaries of AI and robotics, with Tesla occupying the largest share at 9.16%. Following Tesla, Palantir holds 7.02%, and AMD accounts for 6.14% of the portfolio. Wood strongly believes that organizations will require robust technological infrastructures, like those provided by Palantir, to fully harness the productivity gains that AI offers.
Wood stated, “It is going to take a company like Palantir going into the largest enterprises and really restructuring them,” emphasizing the substantial work needed for a successful transition into this AI-dominated era.
Wood is particularly optimistic about consumer applications emerging sooner than enterprise solutions, noting her personal experience with AI tools enhancing her research productivity.
Musk remains ambitious regarding Optimus’s market potential, predicting that it could generate over $10 trillion in revenue and contribute up to 80% of Tesla’s future value. He described the robot’s potential at scale as “the infinite money glitch,” indicating a promising horizon for the intersection of robotics and AI.
Tesla board chair Robyn Denholm also shared insights about Optimus, highlighting her observations of the robot performing household tasks like folding laundry, demonstrating practical applications beyond its entertaining public displays.
As the dialogue around the future of AI and robotics continues to unfold, both investors and enthusiasts are left to ponder the remarkable transformations that humanoid robots will inevitably bring to various industries.
