United States: Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced that the electric vehicle giant will commence the production and deployment of humanoid robots starting next year. The robots, known as Optimus, will initially be used within Tesla’s operations before being available for external sale in 2026.
Musk had previously said that, he anticipated Optimus would be operational in Tesla factories by the end of 2024. However, this latest update reveals a more gradual rollout plan. “Tesla will have genuinely useful humanoid robots in low production for internal use next year and, hopefully, in high production for other companies by 2026,” Musk stated on his social media platform.
The announcement comes just a day before Tesla is scheduled to release its latest financial results. Tesla’s shares experienced a notable increase of over 5 percent in the last trading session on Wall Street, reflecting investor optimism about the company’s future prospects.
Musk has a history of ambitious goals for his ventures. He has previously set high expectations for Tesla’s technology, including a 2019 prediction that self-driving taxis would be on the roads by the following year. This year, Musk had also promised the unveiling of a robotaxi on August 8, but recent reports indicate a delay, with a new potential date in October. Musk cited a desire to make design adjustments and showcase additional features as reasons for the postponement.
Tesla’s focus on humanoid robots aligns with a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies like Honda and Boston Dynamics are also advancing in robot development. As Tesla shifts its focus towards artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and robotics, this new initiative reflects the company’s response to the current slowdown in electric vehicle demand.