In recent times, social media has become a breeding ground for false news and misinformation. One such claim that has been circulating on the internet is the notion that billionaire Elon Musk and his company are in the final stages of creating a “Robot Wife.” This claim, supported by a set of photos showing Musk kissing robots, has garnered attention and sparked speculation among users. However, upon close examination and fact-checking, it becomes evident that these photos are not real and are, in fact, AI-generated.
AI-Generated Images and the Original Source
The images in question were initially posted on May 3 by an Instagram user with the handle @art_is_2_inspire. The user explicitly labeled these images as “AI art” through the use of hashtags. Both Agence France-Presse and Full Fact, reputable fact-checking organizations, have independently confirmed that the images were indeed generated using artificial intelligence.
False Attribution
Despite the original source being clearly identified as an AI artist, some media outlets erroneously attributed the images to Twitter user Daniel Marven. However, Agence France-Presse and Fast Company have refuted this claim, establishing that the images were created by the digital creator behind the @art_is_2_inspire Instagram account. This artist has previously produced viral AI-generated images, including one depicting Pope Francis wearing a Balenciaga coat.
No Credible Reports or Statements
While social media posts have claimed that Musk and his company are in the final stages of creating a “Robot Wife,” there is no credible evidence or reports to support this assertion. PolitiFact reached out to the owner of the @art_is_2_inspire account, who confirmed that the images were generated through prompts, affirming their AI origin.
Musk’s Humanoid Robots
It is essential to differentiate between the claim of a “Robot Wife” and the actual projects Musk’s company, Tesla, is working on. Tesla is indeed developing humanoid robots known as Tesla Bot or Optimus, as demonstrated in a shareholder meeting on May 16. However, these robots are designed for various tasks and functionality, such as walking and picking up items, and are not intended to serve as “robot wives.”
Conclusion
Based on the available evidence and credible sources, it is evident that the claim of Elon Musk and his company making a “Robot Wife” is false. The images shared on social media were AI-generated and not representative of any real project undertaken by Musk or Tesla. It is crucial for users to be vigilant against false news and misinformation, and to rely on reputable sources for accurate information. By fact-checking and critically analyzing such claims, we can contribute to a more informed and responsible online community.
