Tesla has reportedly put a halt on the production of its Optimus humanoid robots, grappling with substantial challenges, according to a recent disclosure by The Information.
Earlier in March, Elon Musk, Tesla`s chief executive, had outlined plans to produce 5,000 Optimus units by the close of 2025. However, internal sources reveal that the company is unlikely to achieve this ambitious target and has subsequently re-evaluated its manufacturing timetable. It is now indicated that Tesla might not release any additional robots this current calendar year.
The primary obstacle lies with the robots` manipulators or hands, which are proving inadequate for large-scale production demands. Experts emphasize that these robotic hands represent the most intricate engineering challenge within Tesla`s humanoid design. Specific issues have been identified concerning the forearms, which currently fall short of engineering specifications. Further complicating the development, the Optimus project faced a setback following the departure of Milan Kovac, who spearheaded the robot`s creation, from Tesla in June.
As per sources cited by The Information, some Tesla personnel are privately expressing doubts about the ultimate necessity of a humanoid robot, given the immense technical complexities and considerable development costs involved. Nevertheless, a limited number of Optimus robots are already deployed within Tesla factories, where they are engaged in tasks such as sorting batteries for electric vehicles.
In a separate discussion earlier in October, renowned robotics pioneer Rodney Brooks articulated his skepticism regarding the feasibility of humanoid robots, suggesting they are inherently destined for failure. He contended that bipedal machines fundamentally lack the requisite agility for practical and widespread application.
Rupert Blackwood 
Barnaby Whitfield