Tesla to Introduce Humanoid Robots for Internal Use Next Year, Musk Reveals
Tesla plans to introduce humanoid robots for internal use next year. CEO Elon Musk aims to have the robots in "low production" for other companies by 2026. Humanoid robots are seen as a solution to labour shortages and repetitive tasks.
This comes just months after Musk initially revealed plans for a rollout by the end of 2024. The automaker aims to have the robots in "low production" for internal purposes in 2025, with hopes of scaling up to "high production" for other companies by 2026, as Musk shared on social media platform X.
The introduction of humanoid robots marks Tesla's foray into the world of automation and artificial intelligence. Musk had previously stated in April that the Tesla robot, named Optimus, would be capable of performing tasks within the factory by the end of this year and could potentially be ready for sale by the end of 2025.
While Tesla may be a newcomer to humanoid robots, companies like Japan's Honda and Hyundai Motor's Boston Dynamics have been working on similar projects for years. The use of humanoid robots is seen as a solution to potential labour shortages and the need for repetitive and potentially dangerous tasks in industries such as logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing.
It's worth noting that Musk has a history of making ambitious promises that have not always come to fruition. In 2019, he had assured investors that Tesla would have a network of "robotaxi" autonomous cars operating by 2020. However, last week, he admitted that the unveiling of the robotaxi would be delayed due to an important design change.
Tesla has already made progress in the field of robotics with the release of the first generation of its Optimus robot, nicknamed Bumblebee, in September 2022. Earlier this year, the company showcased a video of the second generation of the bipedal robot successfully folding a T-shirt at one of its facilities.
In recent months, Musk has shifted his focus towards artificial intelligence, autonomous driving software, robotaxis, and the Optimus robot. This shift comes as demand for electric vehicles (EVs), which account for over 80% of Tesla's quarterly revenue, begins to stabilise.
Tesla is set to announce its second-quarter results on Tuesday, with analysts expecting margins to reach a five-year low. However, all eyes will also be on Musk's ambitious plans for robotaxis and AI products, which have the potential to shape the future of transportation and automation.
In response to the news, Tesla's premarket shares saw a modest increase of about 1% on Monday, reflecting the market's anticipation of the company's continued innovation and expansion into new frontiers.
Tesla plans to introduce humanoid robots for internal use next year.
CEO Elon Musk aims to have the robots in "low production" for other companies by 2026.
Humanoid robots are seen as a solution to labour shortages and repetitive tasks.
Source: REUTERS