GoKawiilTesla's Optimus robots face persistent hand durability problems, report says
According to The Information, Tesla has been struggling for over a year to build reliable, durable hands for its Optimus humanoid robot, prompting engineers to develop a swappable 'sensing glove' instead of embedded touch sensors. Most Optimus units built so far are used for internal testing rather than sold to customers, and remain limited to simple repetitive tasks despite extensive training data.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The reported hardware setbacks suggest Tesla may struggle to meet Elon Musk's stated targets of producing over 1,000 Optimus units weekly by year's end, a goal he has repeatedly pushed back. It also highlights how dexterous manipulation remains one of the hardest unsolved problems in humanoid robotics, which could affect Tesla's broader pivot toward robotics and AI as a growth driver beyond car sales.
- Tesla reportedly can't reliably build durable hands for Optimus, opting for a swappable sensing glove
- Most Optimus units are used internally for testing, not shipped to customers
- Musk's past promises of thousands of working robots by 2025 appear increasingly at risk of delay
Source: futurism.com — Victor Tangermann, 2026-09-28
Published there as: “Tesla Reportedly Can’t Get the Hands to Work on Its Optimus Robot”
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