Elon Musk aims to have humanoid robots working in Tesla’s factories within the next year. Getty Images
Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has announced that the company will start producing and using humanoid robots next year. In a recent social media update, Musk revealed that Tesla’s new robots, named Optimus, will initially be used within the company’s own operations before being made available for purchase by other businesses in 2026.
Musk shared this news on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, just a day before Tesla was set to release its latest financial results. According to Musk, Tesla plans to use these robots internally at first, aiming to ramp up production for external sales in a few years. The technology is designed to help with various tasks in Tesla’s factories and potentially other industries once it becomes more widely available.
The announcement highlights Tesla's commitment to advancing robotics technology, a field that many other companies, including Honda and Boston Dynamics, are also exploring. Musk has been very optimistic about the capabilities of these robots, suggesting that they could be in high production by 2026 and cost less than $20,000 each.
However, Musk is known for his ambitious timelines, which have not always been met. For example, in 2019, he predicted that self-driving taxis would be on the roads by the following year, a goal that has yet to be achieved. Musk had also promised the debut of a robotaxi earlier this year, but the event was delayed, with reports now suggesting it might be postponed until October. Musk has mentioned that the extra time will allow Tesla to showcase additional features.
This push into robotics and artificial intelligence comes as Tesla faces slower demand for its electric vehicles. The company is focusing on expanding its technological offerings to maintain growth and innovation in a competitive market.
