Tesla's Optimus Robot Faces Delays and Doubts

Elon Musk's ambitious claims about the Optimus robot's capabilities and timeline have not materialized, raising questions about the project's progress.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Tesla has announced plans to unveil a new 'production-ready' third version of its Optimus robot, after previously claiming it would launch a pilot production line and deliver 5,000 units by the end of 2025 - a milestone that never materialized. The company now says large-scale manufacturing could begin as late as 2027, much later than Musk's initial promises. Musk's grand proclamations about Optimus generating $10 trillion in revenue and accounting for 80% of Tesla's value have also been met with skepticism, as the CEO has a history of bold claims that don't match reality.

Why it matters

The delays and doubts surrounding Optimus highlight the challenges Tesla faces in turning Musk's ambitious vision for the robot into a viable commercial product. As a key part of Tesla's long-term strategy, the Optimus project's struggles could have significant implications for the company's future growth and valuation.

The details

Tesla has now announced plans to unveil a new, 'production-ready' third version of Optimus, raising questions about what exactly was supposed to go into production in 2025. The company says large-scale manufacturing could begin as late as 2027, at its Fremont factory. Musk's previous claims that Optimus would generate $10 trillion in revenue and account for 80% of Tesla's value have also been met with skepticism, given his history of bold promises that don't materialize.

  • In 2025, Musk claimed Tesla would launch a pilot production line for a finished Optimus and deliver 5,000 units by the end of the year - a milestone that never materialized.
  • Tesla has now announced plans to unveil a new, 'production-ready' third version of Optimus, with large-scale manufacturing potentially beginning as late as 2027.

The players

Elon Musk

The CEO of Tesla, who has made bold claims about the capabilities and timeline of the Optimus robot project.

Tesla

The electric vehicle and clean energy company that is developing the Optimus robot as a key part of its long-term strategy.

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What they’re saying

“The range of claims Elon Musk has made about Tesla's Optimus robot is, frankly, astonishing.”

— Md Hosain Ali, Author (Medium)

“If Musk didn't have a long history of bold promises followed by delayed or missed timelines, these statements might sound more convincing.”

— Md Hosain Ali, Author (Medium)

What’s next

Tesla plans to unveil the new 'production-ready' third version of the Optimus robot, with large-scale manufacturing potentially beginning as late as 2027.

The takeaway

The delays and doubts surrounding the Optimus robot project highlight the challenges Tesla faces in turning Elon Musk's ambitious vision into a viable commercial product. As a key part of the company's long-term strategy, the Optimus project's struggles could have significant implications for Tesla's future growth and valuation.