Tesla’s stock experienced a notable rise on Monday, driven by Elon Musk’s continued promotion of the company’s humanoid robots. Musk announced on social media platform X that Tesla plans to enter low production of “genuinely useful” humanoid robots for internal use next year, with an ambition for high production aimed at other companies by 2026.
In April, during Tesla’s annual meeting, Musk had shared his vision of moving the Optimus robot into limited production by 2025, predicting that over 1,000 robots could be operational at Tesla facilities by year-end. Currently, two units are already on the factory floor, though Tesla has not disclosed their specific roles.
Musk previously speculated that the introduction of these robots could significantly impact Tesla’s market value—potentially adding up to $20 trillion. The robots are anticipated to retail for between $20,000 and $30,000, but are not expected to hit the market before late 2025.
Despite Musk’s optimism, questions remain regarding the practical utility of the robots, especially given past demonstrations that have not met expectations. For instance, a video showing an Optimus robot folding a shirt was criticized for allegedly being controlled by an off-screen operator. This history has led to skepticism among analysts, including Craig Irwin from MKM Partners, who noted the challenges Tesla faces in catching up with established competitors like Boston Dynamics.
Additionally, Tesla finds itself in a competitive landscape with companies like Hyundai’s Boston Dynamics, Honda, and others exploring humanoid robotics, with initiatives already in motion in various sectors.
On the bright side, the excitement surrounding Musk’s recent announcements has positively influenced Tesla’s stock, which increased by more than 3% on Monday. Despite fluctuating prices throughout the year, the stock has made a significant rebound in recent months. Investors are eagerly awaiting Tesla’s second-quarter earnings report on Tuesday, which will include updates from Musk regarding the company’s delayed robotaxi service.
In summary, while uncertainty remains surrounding the effectiveness and timing of Tesla’s humanoid robots, investor enthusiasm is apparent, reflecting a broader optimism about the company’s innovative potential. The forward-looking vision Musk presents could signal exciting developments in the realm of robotics in the coming years.