Tesla Optimus Timeline

During the Q4 2025 earnings call, Elon Musk confirms that no Optimus units are performing productive commercial tasks yet. Current robots are in an R&D and data-collection phase at Tesla facilities.

Tesla officially begins mass production of Optimus Gen 3 at its Fremont, California factory. The production line targets several thousand units for internal deployment and testing.

After a brief shutdown announced in August 2025, Tesla restarts its Dojo supercomputer project. Dojo is central to training the neural networks that power Optimus's vision and manipulation systems.

Tesla signs a major contract with Samsung to produce AI6 chips beginning in 2026. These next-generation chips are designed to power both Optimus and Tesla's broader AI infrastructure.

Milan Kovac, who had led the Optimus programme since 2022, departs Tesla. Ashok Elluswamy, head of the Autopilot team, takes over leadership of the robot project, signalling closer integration between vehicle AI and robotics.

Tesla features Optimus prominently at its "We, Robot" event, positioning the humanoid alongside its robotaxi and Cybercab announcements. Attendees interact with Optimus units in a controlled demo environment.

Elon Musk publicly commits to limited Optimus production beginning in 2025, with plans for 1,000+ units deployed internally at Tesla factories. External sales are projected for 2026.

Tesla unveils Generation 3 hands featuring 22 degrees of freedom per hand, double the 11 DOF of the Gen 2 design. The upgrade significantly improves fine manipulation capability for tasks requiring dexterity.

Elon Musk shares video on social media showing Optimus Gen 2 performing everyday tasks including walking smoothly, dancing, and handling eggs with delicate grip control. The demo highlights improved motor coordination and balance over earlier prototypes.

Throughout the year, Tesla refines the Generation 2 design with significant weight reduction (down to ~57 kg) and improved hand dexterity. The Gen 2 hands feature 11 degrees of freedom, a major step up from early prototypes.

At Tesla AI Day 2022, the first working, untethered Optimus prototype — nicknamed "Bumble-C" — walks on stage and waves to the audience. It is the first public demonstration of the robot moving under its own power. Musk states the project has the potential to be more significant than Tesla's vehicle business.

A non-functional Optimus prototype is displayed at the grand opening of Gigafactory Texas, generating public interest and media coverage. The static model previews the intended humanoid form factor.

At Tesla's inaugural AI Day, Elon Musk announces "Tesla Bot" (later named Optimus). The reveal features a person in a bodysuit representing the intended humanoid form. Musk outlines a vision for a general-purpose robot controlled by the same AI systems as Tesla's vehicles, with a projected 20 kg payload capacity.