Tesla’s stock saw an increase on Monday as CEO Elon Musk continues to advocate for the potential value of the company’s humanoid robots. Musk announced that Tesla plans to have genuinely useful humanoid robots in limited production for internal use by next year, with hopes of high production for other companies starting in 2026.
During Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting in April, Musk stated that the Optimus robots would enter limited production by 2025, predicting that over 1,000 units would be operational at Tesla by year’s end. Currently, two robots are already in use on the factory floor, although the specific tasks they perform remain undisclosed.
Musk proposed a scenario in which these robots could contribute an additional $20 trillion to the company’s market value. The robots are not expected to be available for sale until late 2025, with projected prices ranging from $20,000 to $30,000.
However, the exact definition of “genuinely useful” robots remains unclear. Previous demonstrations have not been convincing; in one instance, Tesla was accused of misleading viewers by showcasing a robot apparently folding a shirt, only for it to be revealed that a person off-screen was actually controlling the movements.
This is not the first time Tesla faced skepticism regarding its robot demonstrations. The company’s launch of the Optimus robot project in 2021 included a performance featuring an individual dancing inside a robot costume.
Analyst Craig Irwin from Roth MKM commented on the challenges Tesla may face, stating that achieving a sentient humanoid robot by 2025 seems ambitious, especially considering the advanced capabilities of competitors like Boston Dynamics. He remarked that Tesla’s presentations seem outdated in comparison.
Tesla will also be competing with companies like Hyundai’s Boston Dynamics, Honda, and Apptronik. Chinese automakers Dongfeng Motor and Nio are testing humanoid robots from UBTech Robotics in their production lines, and BMW has been using humanoid robots from Silicon Valley-based Figure since January.
Following Musk’s remarks, Tesla’s stock climbed by more than 3% on Monday. The shares have remained relatively stable for the year after experiencing a significant rebound over the last two months.
Tesla is set to report its second-quarter earnings on Tuesday, during which Musk is expected to provide an update on the anticipated launch of the company’s robotaxi services.