Tesla’s stock saw an increase on Monday, fueled by Elon Musk’s ongoing promotion of the potential benefits of the company’s humanoid robots. Musk stated on X that Tesla is on track to develop “genuinely useful” humanoid robots for internal use by next year and aims for high production to be ready for external companies by 2026.
During Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting in April, Musk mentioned that the Optimus robot would enter limited production in 2025, with expectations of over 1,000 units operational by year-end. Currently, two robots are employed on the factory floor, although Tesla has not disclosed their specific roles.
Musk has speculated that these robots could significantly enhance Tesla’s market capitalization, estimating a potential $20 trillion increase. However, the robots are not anticipated to be available for purchase until late 2025, with a projected price between $20,000 and $30,000.
Yet, there is skepticism surrounding Musk’s claims regarding the robots’ utility. Previous product demonstrations have raised doubts; in May, Tesla faced criticism for showcasing an Optimus robot that appeared to fold clothing but was allegedly controlled remotely by an operator. This follows a controversial debut of the Optimus project in 2021, which featured a person dressed in a robot costume.
Analysts note the fierce competition Tesla faces from established players in the humanoid robot sector, such as Boston Dynamics and Honda, as well as emerging rivals in China like Dongfeng Motor and Nio. Other automotive companies, including BMW, have also integrated humanoid robots into their operations.
Despite the skepticism, investors reacted positively to Musk’s announcements, and Tesla’s stock rose over 3% on Monday, maintaining momentum following a significant rebound in recent months. Attention now turns to Tesla’s upcoming second-quarter earnings report, where Musk is likely to provide updates on the anticipated robotaxi project.
While challenges remain, the development of humanoid robots represents an intriguing avenue for Tesla, potentially transforming operations and creating new market opportunities in the years ahead. As technology evolves, there is hope that these innovations may lead to significant advancements in automation and manufacturing efficiency.