Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has announced that the company’s humanoid robot, Optimus, will be capable of performing factory roles by the end of this year and may go on sale by 2025. Musk has made bold claims about Optimus, suggesting that the AI-powered robot is incredibly valuable and could have a significant impact on the economy. However, recent reports suggest that Optimus may now be helping to build Tesla’s cars.
Tesla mentioned in a rundown of its achievements since 2018 that it had deployed two Optimus robots to autonomously perform tasks in a factory. However, it is unclear which factory these robots are operating in or what specific tasks they are completing. Business Insider reached out to Tesla for confirmation but did not receive an immediate response.
Despite these advancements, Optimus still falls short of Musk’s grand vision for the humanoid robot. While Tesla has released videos showcasing Optimus performing tasks such as squats, picking up an egg, and folding a shirt, Musk clarified that the robot is not yet capable of doing the latter autonomously.
Tesla faces competition from other companies in its quest to automate factory operations. BMW has partnered with robotics startup Figure to deploy robots in its South Carolina factory. Chinese automakers are also experimenting with robotics technology, with companies like Dongfeng Motors and Nio piloting the use of humanoid robots on their production lines. As automated technology continues to advance, the race to build a more efficient, completely autonomous workforce in the automotive industry is heating up.
