Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced that the electric car manufacturer will begin producing and using humanoid robots, named Optimus, starting next year. In a social media post, Musk stated that these robots will initially be utilized within Tesla’s own operations, with plans to sell them commercially by 2026.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for Tesla, which has been venturing into advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and robotics amid slowing demand for electric vehicles. Musk has set ambitious timelines before, aiming for Optimus to be operational in Tesla factories by the end of this year. However, the latest update suggests a slightly adjusted timeline, with low production for internal use commencing next year and high production for other companies beginning in 2026.
“Tesla will have genuinely useful humanoid robots in low production for Tesla internal use next year and, hopefully, high production for other companies in 2026,” Musk shared on his platform X, formerly known as Twitter. This statement came just a day before Tesla was scheduled to release its latest financial results, which saw the company’s shares rise by over 5% by the close of Monday’s trading session in New York.
Tesla aims to develop an autonomous humanoid robot capable of performing “unsafe, repetitive or boring tasks.” Musk has previously mentioned that these robots are intended for mass production and will be priced at less than $20,000 (£17,900) each. Despite his ambitious timelines, Musk has a history of setting challenging goals that are not always met as scheduled. In 2019, he expressed confidence that Tesla would have self-driving taxis on the road by the following year—a milestone that has yet to be achieved.
Earlier this year, Musk announced that the long-awaited robotaxi would be unveiled on August 8th, but recently confirmed a delay to the event without specifying a new date. He mentioned that the postponement allows Tesla to make additional modifications to the vehicle, with Bloomberg News reporting that the event might now take place in October.
Tesla’s humanoid robot initiative is part of a broader trend among tech companies exploring robotics. Other firms, including Honda and Boston Dynamics, are also developing their own humanoid robots, reflecting a growing interest in this field. Musk’s focus on robotics and AI technologies highlights Tesla’s strategic shift as it navigates the evolving landscape of the tech industry.
The introduction of humanoid robots represents a bold step for Tesla, positioning the company at the forefront of innovation in robotics and AI. While the timeline for mass production and commercial availability remains ambitious, the potential impact of Optimus on various industries could be substantial, offering solutions to labor-intensive tasks and enhancing operational efficiency.