Elon Musk Delays Tesla Optimus Robot Rollout, Sets New Production Timeline

The man has great goals, but often is a bit optimistic. But he still does get there, so we all need to give him credit and some slack.

Elon Musk has postponed the rollout of the Tesla Optimus humanoid robot compared to the previously shared timeline. Despite Musk’s earlier ultimatum to cease AI product development if not granted 25% control of Tesla, the company has been restructured around its AI initiatives, including the Tesla Optimus robot.

Tesla’s plan is to utilize its existing technologies to create a general-purpose humanoid robot capable of performing hazardous or repetitive tasks in various industrial or commercial settings. Eventually, the robot is intended for consumer use in homes.

I thought Elon Musk WAS a humanoid robot!https://t.co/XB4sg5WSyw

— Craig Calhoun (@craigjcalhoun) July 23, 2024

Last year, Tesla introduced the “Optimus Gen 2,” the latest iteration of its humanoid robot. Musk initially projected that Optimus would start performing tasks in Tesla factories by the end of the year, with plans to sell the robot to external customers by the end of 2025.

However, Musk has revised this timeline, stating that Optimus will enter “low production for Tesla internal use next year,” aiming for “high production for other companies in 2026.” This represents a one-year delay from the previous timeline.

Interestingly, Tesla claimed last month that two Optimus robots are already operating autonomously in its factories.

Electrek’s perspective suggests that while humanoid robots are a promising field and Tesla possesses relevant technological expertise, Musk’s timelines are notoriously optimistic and often delayed. This has been evident in the six-year saga of the “Full Self-Driving” feature.

Elon Musk has updated the anticipated timeline for Tesla’s #Optimus humanoid robot rollout.

The AI robot is projected to be available for sale a year later than Musk previously indicated earlier this year.

Musk said Tesla will have “genuinely useful humanoid robots” in low… pic.twitter.com/m7FSnYPs0G

— Mike Kalil (@mikekalilmfg) July 23, 2024

Key Points:

• Elon Musk delayed the rollout of Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot by a year.
• The robot will now enter low production for internal use next year, with high production for external companies in 2026.
• Tesla already claimed two Optimus robots are working autonomously in its factories.
• Musk’s optimistic timelines often lead to delays, similar to the “Full Self-Driving” feature.
• Musk’s reputation and management style are under scrutiny, affecting Tesla’s ability to retain and attract talent amid growing competition.

Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News