Tesla to Utilize Humanoid Robots Internally Before 2026 Commercial Launch
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has announced that the company will begin producing and utilizing humanoid robots from next year. In a recent social media post, he stated that these robots will initially be used internally by Tesla, with plans to commence commercial production in 2026.
Previously, he had projected that the robot, named Optimus, would be ready for use in Tesla factories by the end of this year while other companies like Honda and Boston Dynamics have been developing their own humanoid robots.
Tesla has articulated its goal to create an “autonomous humanoid robot” that is capable of performing “unsafe, repetitive, or boring tasks.” Musk has previously mentioned that these robots aim to be mass-produced and priced under $20,000 (£17,900).
The Optimus stands 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 121 pounds. Since its initial debut in 2021, the robot has seen several improvements, particularly in dexterity and movement. The updated robots will also feature 5G connectivity. Tesla envisions these robots performing routine household tasks and taking on industrial roles in factories.
Tesla introduced the first generation of its Optimus robot, named Bumblebee, in September 2022. This year, the company released a video showcasing a second-generation bipedal robot folding a T-shirt at their facility.
In recent months, Musk has shifted his focus toward artificial intelligence, autonomous driving software, robotaxis, and the Optimus robot due to decreasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), which still account for over 80 percent of Tesla’s quarterly revenue.
