The Tesla Optimus humanoid robot has made significant progress and could potentially be available for external sales by 2025. The robot is currently being used to perform simple tasks at Tesla’s factories, and there are indications that it may be shipped to gigafactories across the United States in the near future. CEO Elon Musk stated during a recent earnings call that they expect to have Optimus in limited production within the company’s factories by the end of the year, with external sales possibly starting by the following year.
During the latest Tesla earnings call, Musk emphasized the company’s focus on AI development and stated that Tesla should be viewed as an AI or robotics company rather than just an auto company. He expressed confidence that Tesla will solve autonomy for vehicles, regardless of his involvement, but noted that Optimus development presents its own set of challenges. Musk previously expressed a desire to obtain 25% voting control in Tesla to ensure that Optimus’ development is done safely and properly.
The shift towards AI and robotics development is a key part of Tesla’s identity, as highlighted in recent earnings calls. Musk echoed sentiments expressed by Cathie Wood that viewing Tesla solely as an auto company is a limited perspective. He emphasized the importance of autonomy in the future of transportation and stressed that those who do not believe Tesla will solve autonomy should not be investors in the company. Musk believes that advancements in autonomous vehicles will increase utilization rates while maintaining costs.
Tesla’s progress with the Optimus humanoid robot indicates a broader commitment to AI and robotics within the company. With ambitions to potentially sell Optimus externally by 2025, Tesla is positioning itself as a significant player in the development of advanced robotics technologies. The company’s focus on optimizing factory processes and potentially expanding the use of humanoid robots in various settings underscores the importance of AI and robotics in Tesla’s future growth and innovation.
Overall, Tesla’s ongoing development of the Optimus humanoid robot reflects the company’s commitment to advancing AI and robotics technologies. Musk’s confidence in Tesla’s ability to solve autonomy for vehicles and his emphasis on the importance of AI development suggest that the company is positioning itself for long-term success in the rapidly evolving automotive and robotics industries. With plans for potential external sales of the Optimus robot in the coming years, Tesla is poised to make a significant impact on the future of robotics technology.