GoKawiilTesla begins early Optimus production, admits AI and hardware still unfinished
On Tesla's earnings call, Elon Musk said the company has started early production of its Optimus humanoid robot on a high-volume line in Fremont, California, calling them the first 'production-quality bots.' He acknowledged significant remaining work on the robot's hands, safety, reliability, durability, and the AI needed for open-ended tasks, and said outside deliveries might begin around the end of 2027. Tesla did not disclose how many robots have been built or what tasks they can currently perform without human help.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Musk's own caveats suggest the production milestone is primarily a manufacturing achievement rather than proof the robot can perform useful work, since software and AI capability remain unresolved. Robotics professor Ken Goldberg's comment that 'hardware without software' is a problem implies the gap between building robots and making them functional could delay Tesla's broader ambitions, including household use. The lack of disclosed performance data makes it hard to independently verify how close Optimus is to commercial readiness.
- Tesla has begun early production of Optimus on a high-volume Fremont line but hasn't disclosed unit numbers or capabilities.
- Musk says AI, hand design, safety, reliability and durability still need substantial work.
- Outside deliveries are targeted for around end of 2027, with no confirmed customers or use cases yet.
Source: theverge.com — Rani Molla, 2026-10-22
Published there as: “Just because Tesla’s Optimus is in production doesn’t mean it’s actually ready”
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