Elon Musk Says Robot Production Could Start In 2023

Tesla Inc TSLA CEO Elon Musk said production on his proposed Optimus humanoid robot could begin as early as next year.

What Happened: Musk first shared his plans for the 5’8” robot, originally dubbed Tesla Bot, last August. Musk envisioned the robot as a mechanical personal assistant to help humans handle chores that would be considered to be either too dangerous or too dull and repetitive.

Musk, who was accompanied in his preview by a dancing performer wearing a costume resembling the robot design, insisted his creation had “profound implications for the economy” while adding that if “Tesla doesn’t do it, someone else will.”

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What Happens Next: On Thursday, Musk offered an update on the status of Optimus during Thursday’s inauguration of Tesla’s vehicle assembly plant in Austin, Texas.

Musk has yet to offer a working prototype — he initially promised to deliver a preview for the week after the initial announcement last August. According to a CNBC report, Musk still insisted on the value of robot, claiming it would “transform the world ... to a degree even greater” than Tesla’s electric vehicles, adding, “It’s maybe hard to imagine it.”

Musk last talked about the robot in January, insisting that it was a priority for him.

“I think it has the potential to be more significant than the vehicle business over time,” Musk said.

Photo: Courtesy of Tesla Inc