Tesla’s stock experienced a notable increase on Monday, propelled by Elon Musk’s ongoing enthusiasm regarding the future of the company’s humanoid robots. Musk, in a post on X, stated that Tesla aims to have “genuinely useful humanoid robots” in limited production for internal use by next year, with hopes for broader production for external companies by 2026.
During Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting in April, Musk had indicated that the humanoid robot project, named Optimus, would enter limited production in 2025, with projections of over 1,000 units operational at Tesla facilities by year-end. Currently, two robots are in use on the factory floor, though Tesla has not disclosed their specific functions.
Musk has also speculated that the humanoid robots could significantly enhance Tesla’s market cap by adding $20 trillion. While the robots are not anticipated to be available for sale until late 2025, estimated prices will range between $20,000 and $30,000.
However, the authenticity of Musk’s claims regarding the robots’ potential remains a topic of skepticism. Previous demonstrations have faced criticism for lacking substance. For instance, a video released in May appeared to show an Optimus robot performing a task, but it was later alleged that a person was actually controlling the robot off-screen.
Analysts express concerns about Tesla’s ability to compete with established players in the humanoid robotics field. Craig Irwin from Roth MKM noted that Tesla would find it challenging to match the capabilities of companies like Boston Dynamics, especially considering past demonstrations that some view as underwhelming.
Other companies, including Hyundai’s Boston Dynamics, Honda, and various automakers in China, are also advancing their own humanoid robot developments. This competitive landscape adds pressure to Tesla as it seeks to establish itself in this emerging sector.
Despite the uncertainty around the humanoid robot initiative, Tesla’s stock saw over a 3% rise on Monday, reflecting investor optimism that could stem from Musk’s comments. Year-to-date, Tesla shares have remained relatively stable after a significant rebound in the past two months.
With Tesla set to report its second-quarter earnings soon, investors are eager for updates not only on the robot project but also on the long-anticipated robotaxi unveiling.
In conclusion, while Tesla continues to capture attention with bold statements about its technological advancements, it remains to be seen how quickly and effectively the company can deliver on its promises in the fiercely competitive robotics market. It is essential for them to translate their ambitious goals into tangible results to maintain investor confidence and market relevance.