Tesla’s stock experienced a notable increase on Monday, buoyed by Elon Musk’s ongoing emphasis on the potential of the company’s humanoid robots. Musk took to X to announce that Tesla is set to produce genuinely useful humanoid robots for internal use by next year, with plans for mass production for external clients in 2026.
During Tesla’s annual shareholder meeting in April, Musk projected that the first iterations of the Optimus robots would begin limited production around 2025, aiming to have over 1,000 units operational at Tesla facilities by the end of that year. Currently, two of these robots are already deployed at Tesla’s factory, although the company has not disclosed the specific tasks they are executing.
Musk has made bold claims about the financial impact of Optimus, suggesting that the robots could increase Tesla’s market capitalization by up to $20 trillion. The commercial release for these robots is anticipated by late 2025, with pricing estimated between $20,000 and $30,000 per unit.
However, there remains skepticism about the practicality and functionality of the robots, as previous demonstrations have drawn criticism. For instance, in May, Tesla faced backlash for releasing a video that appeared to show an Optimus robot folding a shirt, which was later revealed to be controlled by a human off-screen. Analysts are cautious, with some expressing doubts about Tesla’s ability to effectively compete with established robotics companies like Boston Dynamics, Honda, and others, noting that the technology appears to lag by several years.
Despite the mixed opinions on the viability of Tesla’s humanoid robots, Monday’s positive stock performance—with shares rising over 3%—reflects a degree of investor optimism. As Tesla gears up to release its second-quarter earnings on Tuesday, many are looking to see if Musk will provide more clarity on the timeline for the company’s delayed robotaxi launch, which could further influence stock performance.
In summary, while there is significant speculation and excitement around Tesla’s plans for humanoid robots, questions remain about their actual capabilities and the company’s ability to realize these ambitious goals. Nevertheless, the prospect of advancing robotic technology continues to spark hope for innovation and potential future economic growth within the industry.