Tesla is already producing Elon Musk’s new “toy” in California, but what is it actually for? Is it worth buying one?

28/10/2026 11:30

Updated to

28/10/2026 11:30

Tesla has begun manufacturing its Optimus robots on a production line at its factory in Fremont, California, marking a significant step forward in its push for humanoid robotics to make these machines a core part of its business. However, there is a substantial difference between starting production and having a robot that can operate reliably.

The start of production was confirmed with the release of Elon Musk’s company’s third-quarter 2026 results report, in which the firm stated that the units coming off the new assembly line are its first robots manufactured to production standards, and that the industrial process is now suitable for a commercial product. Nevertheless, Tesla acknowledges it will continue to refine both the hardware and the manufacturing system used by operators.

Musk himself has lowered expectations regarding the speed at which the robots will be deployed, noting that this is an initial production phase and the process will be complicated due to the highly innovative nature of the product. The goal is to reach a rate of 20,000 robots per week, though achieving that volume will require at least a year of work, and the exact number of units manufactured so far has not been made public.

What will Optimus actually be used for?

The primary goal of the model will be to perform industrial tasks. The idea is that it can transport materials, manipulate objects, carry out repetitive operations, and take on jobs that are dangerous or unattractive to employees. A factory is the ideal setting for deploying this robot, as it can work for extended periods without getting tired, requiring only recharging when necessary. This could reduce costs and improve productivity, though it raises the uncomfortable question of what will happen to human workers.

Following that initial deployment, Tesla’s next major focus is bringing it to households. Musk has long argued that humanoid robots will eventually handle household tasks and could become common in homes, but moving objects in a controlled and repetitive environment like a factory is very different from operating in a residence, where each room presents obstacles, various objects, and continuous unpredictable situations.

To achieve this, Optimus will need to prove it can understand instructions, handle delicate objects, and operate safely around people, which raises significant doubts about its immediate deployment. According to TechCrunch, the CEO himself explained during the earnings report presentation: “There are still some aspects of the design that we need to adjust, as it’s necessary to provide a robot that is safe, reliable, and durable; for example, it can’t wear out after just a month. Additionally, there’s still much work to be done in terms of artificial intelligence and the robot itself so that it can truly be useful for open-ended tasks.”

When will Optimus be available for purchase?

According to the same source, Musk estimates that the first deliveries to external customers will take place by the end of 2027. Industrial applications will be given priority initially before expanding to home use, but no more specific dates have been set. What is clear is that its real-world deployment is still further away than one might think, as is typical with Tesla’s products.

The other uncertainty lies in its price, because once it is operational and delivers on the company’s promises, it will be a very useful tool, but interest in it will depend heavily on its cost. Musk has argued that mass production will help reduce costs, but he has not provided an official retail price to determine whether the investment will be worthwhile.