Tesla to Launch Humanoid Robots in 2022, Says Elon Musk

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, announced on social media that the electric car manufacturer will commence the production and utilization of humanoid robots starting next year, reports BBC. Initially, these robots will be utilized within Tesla's operations, with plans to make them available for sale to the public by 2026. This development comes at a time when Tesla is actively seeking cost-cutting measures amidst a decline in car demand.

With a sharp decline in profits for the second quarter of the year, Tesla reported a decrease of nearly half its previous earnings, from $2.7 billion to less than $1.5 billion. The company has been implementing various strategies, including significant price reductions and incentives, to attract customers, yet Tesla's automotive revenue still dropped by 7% compared to the same period last year. Despite this, overall company revenue showed a modest 2% increase, primarily driven by growth in its energy storage business.

As Tesla faces a challenging market for electric vehicles, founder Elon Musk has been actively diversifying his business ventures towards emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and robotics. Opting to leverage humanoid robots named Optimus, Mr. Musk hopes to deploy these machines in Tesla factories by the end of 2022, with plans for broader adoption by other companies in 2026.

Some established companies, including Honda and Boston Dynamics, have been progressing in humanoid robot development as well. Tesla's objective is to create an autonomous humanoid robot capable of performing monotonous and hazardous tasks. Mr. Musk disclosed that Tesla aims to mass-produce these robots at a cost below $20,000 each, making them accessible for a broad user base. However, it is worth noting that Mr. Musk's ambitious timelines have not always been met.

In the past, he expressed confidence in deploying self-driving taxis as early as 2020, a goal that was not realized. Similarly, the unveiling of the much-anticipated robo-taxi, initially scheduled for August 8th, has been postponed. Tesla confirmed its ongoing commitment to advancing robo-taxi technology but emphasized that regulatory approval would influence the exact timeframe for market release.

Musk's application of futuristic technologies in various sectors showcases his visionary approach, but the success of these endeavors depends on meeting the challenges set by the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape and market demand. Nonetheless, Tesla's foray into humanoid robots remains an exciting prospect for the future of robotics and automation.

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