Tesla could start selling Optimus robots by the end of 2025, says Musk

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla (TSLA.O), disclosed that the company's humanoid robot, currently in the development phase, could potentially be available for sale by the end of next year.

This robot, named Optimus, is envisioned to address potential labor shortages and undertake repetitive or hazardous tasks in various industries such as logistics, warehousing, retail, and manufacturing.

During an investor conference call, Musk mentioned his anticipation that Optimus would be capable of performing tasks within Tesla's factories by the end of the current year.

While Tesla is progressing in this domain, other companies like Japan's Honda and Hyundai Motor's Boston Dynamics have also been investing in humanoid robot technology.

Moreover, this year witnessed a collaboration between Microsoft-backed startup Figure and German automaker BMW to integrate humanoid robots into their facilities in the United States. Musk expressed his belief that robot sales could potentially become a significant part of Tesla's business, surpassing even car manufacturing.

Despite Musk's optimism, it's worth noting his past track record of not fully delivering on ambitious promises to investors, such as the projected network of "robotaxi" autonomous cars by 2020.

Nevertheless, Tesla unveiled its first-generation humanoid robot, Bumblebee, in September 2022, and this year showcased a second-generation prototype folding a T-shirt at their facility.