Elon Musk announced that Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, might be ready for sale by the end of next year.
This move reflects a trend where companies are aiming to address labor shortages and automate repetitive tasks across various industries such as logistics, warehousing, retail, and manufacturing.
During a conference call with investors, Musk mentioned that Optimus could start working on factory tasks by the end of this year.
While humanoid robots have been in development for years by companies like Japan’s Honda and Hyundai Motor’s Boston Dynamics, 2023 could mark a significant milestone for Tesla’s entry into this field.
The announcement comes at a time when partnerships are forming, such as Microsoft and Nvidia-backed startup Figure teaming up with German automaker BMW to deploy humanoid robots in their U.S. facilities.
Musk believes Tesla is well-positioned in this sector, envisioning robot sales becoming a substantial part of the company’s business.
Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus (Via David Dent/Shutterstock)
Despite Musk’s optimism, there is skepticism due to past promises that were not fulfilled. For instance, in 2019, he predicted a network of autonomous “robotaxi” cars by 2020, which did not materialize.
Nevertheless, Tesla introduced the first generation of its Optimus robot, named Bumblebee, in September 2022. This year, they showcased a video of the second-generation robot folding a T-shirt at their facility.
Other companies are also making progress. Figure’s robot, 01, demonstrated making coffee, while Boston Dynamics revealed an electric platform for its Atlas humanoid robot, demonstrating its ability to transition from lying down to standing and walking.
As Tesla continues to innovate, the launch of Optimus could mark a new era in automation, potentially reshaping industries and transforming how work is done.
However, only time will tell if Musk’s ambitious timeline for Optimus will be realized.
