Just because Tesla’s Optimus is in production doesn’t mean it’s actually ready

<figure> <img alt="One of Tesla’s Optimus robots set over a green background." data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge, Getty Images" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/258187_Are_humanoid_robots_just_hype_or_are_they_coming__CVirginia-1.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">On Tesla's <a href="https://www.theverge.com/transportation/1015790/tesla-q3-2026-earnings-revenue-profit-roadster-spacex-merger">earnings</a> call Wednesday, CEO Elon Musk announced that the company had begun early production of its humanoid robot on its high-volume line in Fremont, California. Then he laid out what still needs work: the robot's hands, its safety, reliability, and durability, and the artificial intelligence needed to make it a productive tool.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">"There's still quite a lot of work to do with regard to the AI and the robot for it to be truly useful for open-ended tasks," Musk said.</p> <figure class="wp-block-pullquote"><blockquote><p>"At some point, there will be more humanoid robots on Earth than there are humans."</p><cite>ELON MUSK</cite></blockquote></figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">These are substantial caveats for a product slated for volume production. …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/tech/1016492/tesla-optimus-robots-production-musk-q3-earnings">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>