Tesla’s stock has seen an increase on Monday as Elon Musk continues to highlight the potential value of the company’s humanoid robots. Musk stated on X that Tesla aims to have humanoid robots in limited production for internal use next year, with hopes for broader production for other companies by 2026.
Earlier this year, during Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting, Musk mentioned that the Optimus robot would enter limited production in 2025, predicting that over 1,000 units would be operational by the year’s end. Currently, two robots are already in use at the factory, but Tesla has not disclosed their specific functions.
Musk also suggested that Optimus could contribute an estimated $20 trillion to the company’s market value. However, the robots are not expected to be available for sale until late 2025, with prices projected between $20,000 and $30,000.
The exact meaning of “genuinely useful” remains uncertain, especially given that past demonstrations have drawn skepticism. For instance, a video released in May, which showcased an Optimus robot folding a shirt, was alleged by some to have been manipulated, with an operator off-screen controlling the robot.
Skepticism about Tesla’s robot initiative is not new. The company’s unveiling of the Optimus project in 2021 featured a performer dancing in a robot costume, raising concerns about the authenticity of their progress. Industry analysts, including Craig Irwin from MKM, have criticized Tesla’s advancements, suggesting that they fall behind competitors like Boston Dynamics and emphasizing that their technology appears outdated.
Tesla faces competition not just from Boston Dynamics, but also from Honda and Apptronik, while Chinese companies Dongfeng Motor and Nio are testing humanoid robots from UBTech Robotics. Additionally, BMW has incorporated Figure’s humanoid robots into its facilities since the beginning of the year.
On the heels of Musk’s comments, Tesla stock increased by more than 3% on Monday. Year-to-date, shares remain largely flat following a significant recovery over the previous two months. Tesla is set to release its second-quarter earnings on Tuesday, where Musk is anticipated to provide updates on the delayed robotaxi program.