Key Takeaways
- Elon Musk announced that the Optimus robot will be available for private buyers by late 2027.
- The current version of Optimus is used in Tesla’s factories for simple tasks, with improvements in speed and dexterity in the latest model.
- Optimus is expected to handle more complex tasks in factories by 2026, but home availability by 2027 is uncertain due to safety standards.
- Tesla aims to keep the price of Optimus below $30,000, but the exact cost is still unclear.
- Public reaction is mixed, with skepticism on platforms like Reddit and increased investor optimism reflected in Tesla’s stock price.
A mechanical helper that can clean, do laundry, or serve food is a wish for many people, but even with great progress in robots, it still seems far away. Yet, a recent statement by Elon Musk has made the concept of home robots feel closer to being real. While speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the CEO of Tesla announced that the Optimus robot will be available for private buyers starting in late 2027.
Advances in Optimus
Optimus is currently being used in Tesla’s factories, where it manages simple sorting and transporting tasks. The second version of this humanoid robot, revealed in December, is lighter and quicker, with more skillful hands. This development suggests that Optimus could take on more complicated jobs in the future, possibly making it useful in private residences. Elon Musk seems to agree with this perspective.
Future Tasks and Pricing
Musk mentioned that the Tesla robot is expected to start managing more intricate tasks at the company’s car factories in 2026. However, whether Optimus will really be available for homes by 2027 is still in doubt. Tesla has established strict safety standards that need to be satisfied before this can happen. Regarding the cost, it’s still unclear. Tesla has previously indicated it hopes to keep the price below $30,000.
Public Reaction
On Reddit, Musk's announcement has faced doubt. Many people are skeptical that Optimus will actually be for sale to private buyers in 2027, citing previous commitments that did not come true – like full self-driving capabilities, robotaxis, or the new Roadster. On the other hand, investors seem to be more hopeful. Following this news, Tesla’s stock has seen an increase.
Bloomberg (Paywall)
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