Tesla’s stock experienced a notable increase on Monday, driven by Elon Musk’s enthusiastic promotion of the company’s humanoid robots. Musk expressed optimism on social media platform X about the timeline for these robots, stating that Tesla plans to have low production models for internal use by next year and aims for high production stages for external companies by 2026.
During Tesla’s annual meeting in April, Musk forecasted that at least 1,000 robots would be operational at Tesla factories by the end of 2025. While two prototypes are already in use at the facility, details about their specific roles remain under wraps.
Musk has previously speculated that the introduction of these robots could potentially add an astounding $20 trillion to Tesla’s market value. However, the robots are not expected to be commercially available until late 2025, with prospective prices ranging between $20,000 and $30,000.
Despite Musk’s ambitious claims, skepticism surrounds the concept of “genuinely useful” humanoid robots. Comparisons have been drawn to earlier product demonstrations that did not meet expectations. For instance, a video released in May depicted an Optimus robot folding a shirt, but it later emerged that an off-screen individual controlled the robot’s movements.
Critics express concern about Tesla’s ability to compete with established players in the robotics field. Analysts point to companies like Boston Dynamics, Honda, and startups such as Apptronik, which have shown significant advancements in robotics technology. Moreover, other automotive giants, including Dongfeng Motor, Nio, and BMW, are already integrating humanoid robots into their operations.
Despite these critiques, Tesla’s stock rose by more than 3% following Musk’s announcement, reflecting investor confidence. Year-to-date, Tesla shares have remained relatively stable following a strong recovery over the past two months. Investors will be keenly watching Tesla’s earnings report, scheduled for Tuesday, where Musk is expected to provide insights into the delayed rollout of the robotaxi.
In summary, while Musk’s ambitious vision for humanoid robots has sparked optimism among investors, the path ahead remains fraught with competition and skepticism. The potential for innovation in this area is significant, and as companies invest more in robotics, it could redefine industries in the years to come.