Tesla chief Elon Musk has again announced a pushback in the production timeline for the company’s humanoid robot, Optimus. Initially slated for factory deployment by the end of 2023, the “low production” of these robots for internal Tesla use is now projected for next year. High-volume production aimed at external companies is now expected to commence 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 wrote in a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
This revised timeline follows Musk’s earlier announcement in April this year that the company’s Optimus will be capable of performing factory tasks within 2024 and will be available for purchase by the end of 2025. The billionaire also expressed his confidence that its sales could become a significant revenue driver for Tesla, potentially surpassing car manufacturing.
Tesla introduced its first-generation Optimus robot, nicknamed Bumblebee, in September 2022. Earlier this year, the company showcased a second-generation prototype demonstrating capabilities such as folding a T-shirt, highlighting progress in enhancing robotic dexterity and practical application.
Humanoid robots are envisioned to address labor shortages and tackle repetitive, potentially dangerous tasks in various industries, including logistics, manufacturing, and warehousing. Tesla joins established players like Honda and Hyundai’s Boston Dynamics who have been developing similar robots for several years, Reuters reported. However, Musk’s history of ambitious yet delayed projects, including the “robotaxi” initiative, raises questions about the feasibility of these timelines.
As Tesla prepares to release its second-quarter earnings, investor focus will likely be divided between financial performance and the company’s long-term vision. While the EV market faces challenges, Tesla is betting on technological advancements in AI, autonomous driving, and robotics to drive future growth.
