Tesla Optimus

Tesla Optimus is a general-purpose humanoid robot designed to handle repetitive, dangerous, or physically demanding tasks. Standing 173 cm tall and weighing roughly 57 kg (Gen 2), it is built around the same AI and computer vision technology that powers Tesla's Full Self-Driving vehicle software, giving it a distinctive approach compared to competitors that build their AI stacks from scratch.

First announced at Tesla AI Day in August 2021, Optimus has progressed through multiple generations — from an early walking prototype to Gen 2 with advanced hand dexterity, and now Gen 3 with 50-actuator, 22-degree-of-freedom hands. Gen 3 hands represent a 4.5x increase in actuators per hand from Gen 2, enabling over 3,000 discrete tasks from delicate egg-handling to precision industrial work. Tesla's strategy centres on deploying its existing manufacturing scale and neural-network training infrastructure (including the Dojo supercomputer) to produce humanoid robots at a price point far below current industry alternatives.

As of early 2026, Tesla Optimus Gen 3 is in final development stages with full production starting in summer 2026. Gen 3 features a lighter frame at 57 kg and will integrate Grok, xAI's large language model, for advanced reasoning and natural interaction. No units are yet performing sustained commercial work, though Tesla has signalled plans for broader deployment beginning in late 2026. The project remains one of the most closely watched in the robotics industry due to Tesla's production capabilities and the potential market impact of an affordable, dexterous humanoid platform.