Tesla
Optimus Gen 2 · USA · Founded2003 (Optimus program 2021)
Tesla announced the Optimus humanoid robot program at AI Day in August 2021. The program is funded internally by Tesla (TSLA) and led by Ashok Elluswamy, who also heads Tesla Autopilot. Former program lead Milan Kovac departed in June 2025.
Key Metrics
About Tesla
The Optimus Gen 3, unveiled in late 2025, features 22-degree-of-freedom hands with 50 actuators and is powered by FSD-v15 neural architecture. Standing 1.73m tall and weighing 57 kg, it can carry up to 20 kg. Mass production began January 2026 from converted Model S/X lines at the Fremont factory.
Over 1,000 Gen 3 robots are deployed across Tesla factories as of early 2026, though Musk acknowledged on the Q4 2025 earnings call that robots are "still very much in the R&D phase." Tesla ended Model S/X production at Fremont to repurpose lines for Optimus manufacturing.
Tesla targets 50,000-100,000 Optimus units in 2026 and is constructing a dedicated 10-million-unit/year facility at Gigafactory Texas. Early enterprise pricing is estimated at $100,000-$150,000, with a long-term consumer target of $20,000-$30,000.
Founders: Elon Musk (Optimus lead: Ashok Elluswamy)
Headquarters: Austin, Texas, USA
Latest Update
Optimus Gen 2 operating autonomously in Tesla factories. Commercial availability confirmed for 2026
Key Milestone
Optimus working autonomously inside Tesla Gigafactories
Robot Models
Tesla (tesla.com) Tesla Optimus Gen 2
Tesla Optimus Gen 2 is Tesla's second-generation humanoid robot, designed to perform repetitive industrial tasks autonomously inside Tesla Gigafactories. The Gen 2 design features improved hand dexterity and faster walking speed compared to its predecessor.
Tesla Cybercab
The Tesla Cybercab is a purpose-built 2-seat autonomous robotaxi with no steering wheel or pedals. Powered by Tesla HW5 AI computer and a camera-only vision system, it represents Tesla's bet that pure vision can achieve full autonomy. With inductive wireless charging and an estimated $30,000 price point, Tesla aims for mass-market robotaxi deployment in 2026-2027.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many Optimus robots has Tesla shipped?
Tesla has shipped approximately 500 Optimus humanoid robots as of early 2026, with over 1,000 Gen 3 units deployed across Tesla factories.
When did Tesla start the Optimus program?
Tesla announced the Optimus humanoid robot program at AI Day in August 2021. The program is led by Ashok Elluswamy, who also heads Tesla Autopilot.
How much does Tesla Optimus cost?
Tesla Optimus early enterprise pricing is estimated at $100,000 to $150,000, with a long-term consumer target of $20,000 to $30,000.
Where is Tesla Optimus manufactured?
Tesla began Optimus mass production in January 2026 from converted Model S/X lines at the Fremont factory, and is building a dedicated facility at Gigafactory Texas.
Sources
- Wikipedia - Tesla Optimus - accessed 2026-03-28
- Tesla Optimus Gen 3 Production Deployment - accessed 2026-03-28
- RoboHorizon - Tesla Optimus Hiring Spree - accessed 2026-03-28
- BotInfo - Tesla Optimus Pricing - accessed 2026-03-28