Tesla’s stock experienced a boost on Monday as CEO Elon Musk touted the future potential of the company’s humanoid robots. Musk shared on social media that Tesla plans to introduce genuinely useful humanoid robots for internal use next year, with mass production aimed for 2026 for other companies.
During Tesla’s shareholder meeting in April, Musk indicated that the company would move their robot, known as Optimus, into limited production by 2025, anticipating over 1,000 units working in Tesla facilities by year-end. Currently, two units are operational at the factory, yet the specific tasks they perform have not been disclosed.
Musk had previously suggested that the introduction of the Optimus robots could significantly enhance Tesla’s market capitalization by as much as $20 trillion. However, these robots are not expected to hit the market until late 2025, with an anticipated retail price between $20,000 and $30,000.
There remains skepticism about the robots’ capabilities, especially in light of subpar past demonstrations. In one instance, a video of an Optimus robot folding laundry was criticized for allegedly being controlled off-screen by a human. The introduction of the project itself in 2021 also raised eyebrows when it featured a dancer in a robot costume.
Analysts have voiced concerns, noting that Tesla may struggle to catch up with established competitors in the field of robotics, such as Boston Dynamics, Honda, and emerging players like UBTech Robotics in China. Currently, Tesla’s humanoid robot technology is seen as behind the times when compared to the innovations offered by others in the industry.
Despite the skepticism, Tesla’s stock saw an increase of over 3% on Monday following Musk’s announcements. This uptick comes amidst Tesla’s shares stabilizing year-to-date after a recovery in the past two months. Investors are keen to see further updates on Tesla’s anticipated second-quarter earnings, particularly regarding delayed projects like the robotaxi.
In summary, while Tesla’s foray into humanoid robotics has the potential to reshape its future and the market, practical success remains to be seen. The upcoming updates from the company may offer clearer insights into how they plan to overcome past challenges and compete with other industry leaders. Hope springs eternal, and many stakeholders are watching closely to see if Tesla can deliver tangible advancements in the robotics sector as promised.