Tesla’s stock is gaining momentum as Elon Musk champions the prospective benefits of the company’s humanoid robots.
Musk stated on X Monday that Tesla plans to produce genuinely useful humanoid robots for internal use in limited numbers next year, with larger-scale production for other companies anticipated in 2026.
During a shareholders meeting in April, Musk mentioned that the company’s Optimus robots would enter limited production by 2025, with projections indicating that over 1,000 robots could be operational at Tesla by year’s end. Two prototypes are already present on the factory floor, though the company has not disclosed their specific tasks.
In an earlier statement, Musk suggested the commercialization of the robots could boost Tesla’s market valuation by up to $20 trillion. However, the robots are not expected to be available for sale until late 2025, with a projected price range of $20,000 to $30,000.
Musk’s description of the robots as “genuinely useful” raises questions, especially considering previous demonstrations have drawn skepticism. Notably, in May, Tesla faced criticism for a video showcasing an Optimus robot folding a shirt, which was purportedly controlled by a person off-screen.
This is not the first instance of Tesla seemingly using flashy demonstrations to showcase its technology, as the Optimus robot project was introduced in 2021 with a dancer in a robot costume.
MKM analyst Craig Irwin commented on Yahoo Finance that achieving a “sentient humanoid robot by 2025” seems implausible. He noted the challenge Tesla faces in catching up to competitors like Boston Dynamics, stating their most recent presentations appear outdated.
In addition to Hyundai’s Boston Dynamics, Tesla is up against Honda, Apptronik, and Chinese companies like Dongfeng Motor and Nio, which are testing humanoid robots developed by UBTech Robotics in their factories. BMW has also been utilizing humanoid robots from Silicon Valley’s Figure since January.
Following Musk’s remarks, Tesla shares rose over 3% on Monday, although the stock remains relatively stable year-to-date after a strong recovery in recent months. Tesla is set to report its second-quarter earnings on Tuesday, during which Musk is expected to provide updates on the company’s delayed robotaxi project.