Key Points:
- Tesla to utilize humanoid robots internally starting next year.
- Large-scale production for other companies planned by 2026.
- Robot named “Optimus” with a projected cost under $20,000.
- Musk believes robots could eventually become bigger than Tesla’s car business.
Details:
Electric vehicle giant Tesla plans to introduce humanoid robots for internal purposes in 2024, with ambitions for wider production by 2026. This revelation comes from the company’s CEO, Elon Musk.
Musk stated that the robots will initially be in “low production” within the company’s factories. However, he expressed hope for them to be ready for mass production for other companies by 2026.
This announcement follows Musk’s previous statement in April, where he mentioned Tesla’s “Optimus” robot being capable of factory work by the end of this year and potentially available for sale by late 2025.
Tesla first unveiled their plans for a humanoid robot during their AI Day event in 2021. A year later, they introduced Optimus, also known as “Bumblebee,” and projected its cost to be lower than a Tesla car, enabling large-scale production.
At the time, Musk criticized previous robots for lacking “a brain” and the ability to navigate the world independently. He described Optimus as a “highly capable robot” with a price tag under $20,000.
Musk believes Optimus has the potential to become “incredible” in the next five to ten years.
Humanoid robots are designed to resemble and function similarly to humans, mimicking facial expressions and movements.
Several companies, including Honda and Hyundai Motor’s Boston Dynamics, are investing in humanoid robots to address potential labor shortages in some industries. These robots could handle repetitive tasks considered dangerous or tedious.
Musk previously mentioned that robot sales could become a significant segment of Tesla’s business, encompassing various sectors beyond car manufacturing.
According to research firm MarketsandMarkets, the global humanoid robot market, valued at $1.8 billion in 2023, is projected to surpass $13 billion within the next five years.
