Tesla Begins Optimus Production in Fremont

Tesla has begun production of its Optimus humanoid robots at its Fremont, California, factory, describing the units coming off the line as its first production-quality robots. The company has not disclosed production volumes, and external deliveries remain a target for late 2027, according to Chief Executive Elon Musk. Tesla’s third-quarter shareholder letter said the company had started production and would continue refining the hardware and manufacturing process. Its factory table lists Optimus in Fremont as being in an “Early Ramp” phase, while a Texas Optimus factory is under construction. Musk said most of a line designed eventually to produce up to one million robots a year has been installed, but reaching a rate of 20,000 a week would take at least a year and possibly longer. Musk said the robots still need work on their hands, durability and artificial intelligence before Tesla can supply outside companies. The planned initial uses are industrial jobs that are dangerous, repetitive or require around-the-clock operations. He said the hand must be durable enough for repeated use while remaining sensitive enough to handle delicate objects. Tesla is also refining the...