Tesla’s stock saw an increase on Monday following CEO Elon Musk’s optimistic remarks about the company’s humanoid robot, Optimus. Musk indicated that the company plans to achieve low production of these robots for internal use by next year, with ambitions for broader production aimed at other companies by 2026.
During the Tesla annual meeting in April, Musk had previously stated that the Optimus robots would enter limited production in 2025, highlighting a goal of deploying over 1,000 of these robots in the company’s operations by the end of that year. Currently, two robots are reportedly operational on the factory floor, though their specific roles remain unspecified.
Musk has made bold projections about the financial impact of these robots, suggesting they could significantly boost Tesla’s market capitalization, potentially adding around $20 trillion. The robots are anticipated to retail between $20,000 to $30,000, although they are not expected to be available for purchase until late 2025.
Skepticism surrounds Musk’s claims, particularly regarding the functionality of the robots. Past demonstrations have raised doubts about their capabilities, with a controversial video released in May purportedly showing an Optimus robot folding a shirt, which critics allege had underlying human control. Analysts have also questioned Tesla’s competitive edge, pointing to more advanced robotics firms like Boston Dynamics.
In the international landscape, Tesla faces competition from established players such as Hyundai’s Boston Dynamics, Honda, and several Chinese automakers, including Dongfeng Motor and Nio, which are also venturing into humanoid robotics.
Despite the skepticism, Tesla’s shares rose over 3% on Monday, reflecting investor interest and optimism surrounding Musk’s statements. The stock has remained relatively stable year-to-date following a notable rebound in recent months. Investors are awaiting Tesla’s upcoming second-quarter earnings report on Tuesday, where Musk is expected to provide insights into the company’s delayed robotaxi project as well.
This optimistic trajectory aligns with a broader trend in the tech industry, where advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics remain hot topics. The potential for human-like robots to transform various sectors augurs well for the future, encouraging many to stay tuned for upcoming developments from Tesla and other innovators in the field.
In summary, while there are legitimate concerns about the timeline and feasibility of Tesla’s ambitious robot project, the market seems to remain hopeful about the transformative potential of AI and robotics in modern manufacturing.