Elon Musk claims Tesla will start using humanoid robots next year
GuardianJul 18
Musk: Tesla's Humanoid Robots Ready for Internal Use by 2025
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Above: Tesla founder Elon Musk. Image copyright: Marc Piasecki/Contributor/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
The Facts
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Tesla founder Elon Musk said the electric automaker will be producing humanoid robots for internal use next year, adding that Tesla will "hopefully" be able to sell them to other companies by 2026.
The robot, known as Optimus, was first demonstrated publicly in 2022 and was able to walk on stage. It weighs 56 kilograms (123 pounds) and is 170 centimeters tall (5-foot-7).
The Spin
Narrative A
This announcement shows Musk is smartly diversifying Tesla in the midst of uncertainty in the EV market. With AI and automated vehicles expected to dominate the future of robotics, Musk stands uniquely positioned to profit from the coming robotics boom. Humanoid robots are not quite ready for prime time, but Musk has never been one to shy away from being an early adopter.
Narrative B
It can't be a coincidence that Musk, who's been promising robots and self-driving taxis for years, made this announcement on the same day as Tesla's quarterly earnings call. The billionaire has proven himself a great salesman but not necessarily a reliable narrator when it comes to technological advancements and accurate predictions.
