NEW YORK

Tesla's CEO Elon Musk has announced a revised timeline for the production of the company's humanoid robots. According to Musk's recent statement on the social media platform X, Tesla aims to begin "low production" of these robots for internal use by next year, with high-volume production for external companies projected to commence in 2026.

Advertisment

This announcement marks a shift from Musk's earlier projections. In April, he had confidently stated that the Tesla robot, known as Optimus, would be operational in factories by the end of 2023 and potentially available for sale to the public by late 2025. The revised timeline suggests a more conservative approach to the development and deployment of this cutting-edge technology.

Tesla's foray into humanoid robotics is part of a broader trend in the tech and automotive industries. Companies like Honda and Hyundai's Boston Dynamics have been developing similar technologies for several years. The primary motivation behind these efforts is to address potential labour shortages and automate repetitive, dangerous, or tedious tasks in sectors such as logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing.

The first generation of Tesla's Optimus robot, nicknamed Bumblebee, was unveiled in September 2022. Earlier this year, the company released a video showcasing a second-generation prototype folding a T-shirt, demonstrating progress in the robot's dexterity and practical applications.

Advertisment

However, Musk's track record of meeting ambitious deadlines has been mixed. In 2019, he predicted that Tesla would have a network of autonomous "robotaxis" operational by 2020, a goal that has yet to materialise. More recently, Musk indicated that the unveiling of the robotaxi would be further delayed due to a significant design change to the vehicle's front.

This latest announcement about the Optimus robot comes at a time when Tesla is facing challenges in its core electric vehicle (EV) business. With EV demand showing signs of tapering and accounting for over 80% of Tesla's quarterly revenue, Musk has been increasingly emphasising the company's ventures into artificial intelligence, autonomous driving software, robotaxis, and humanoid robots.

The shift in focus reflects Tesla's strategy to diversify its product offerings and revenue streams. It also underscores the company's commitment to remaining at the forefront of technological innovation, even as it navigates a competitive and rapidly evolving market landscape.

Advertisment

As Tesla prepares to report its second-quarter results, analysts are anticipating margins to hit a five-year low. However, investor attention is likely to be divided between these financial metrics and Musk's ambitious plans for robotaxis and AI products.

The development of humanoid robots represents a significant technological challenge, requiring advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and materials science. While the potential applications are vast, ranging from industrial settings to healthcare and home assistance, the path to widespread adoption remains uncertain.