Elon Musk’s Tesla aims to produce 1 million Optimus humanoid robots, a bold plan to revolutionize labor, healthcare, and economic systems, with far-reaching implications for society and the economy through advanced automation and AI.
Elon Musk, Tesla’s CEO, has set an audacious target to manufacture 1 million Optimus humanoid robots as part of the company’s push into advanced robotics, according to a recent Wired report. Announced during Tesla’s latest earnings call, this goal is a cornerstone of Musk’s vision to reshape society through artificial intelligence and automation, with production milestones tied to a proposed $975 billion compensation package.
The Optimus robot, already demonstrated at Tesla events performing basic tasks, is slated for a significant upgrade with Optimus V3 in Q1 2026. Musk highlighted that the new version will feature advanced hands and arms, addressing some of the most complex engineering challenges in humanoid robotics. Achieving the 1 million robot target is part of a broader plan that includes boosting Tesla’s market value to $8.5 trillion and producing millions of electric vehicles and robotaxis.
The implications of mass-producing Optimus robots are profound. Musk envisions these robots taking over manual labor, potentially eliminating repetitive and dangerous jobs. He has described Optimus as capable of transformative roles, such as an “incredible surgeon,” which could democratize access to high-quality medical care. Widespread adoption could reduce poverty by automating tasks and creating a world where work becomes optional, fundamentally altering economic structures.
However, scaling production to 1 million units presents significant challenges, including supply chain constraints and ethical concerns about AI integration. Tesla shareholders will vote on Musk’s compensation plan, linked to this goal, on November 6, 2025. If successful, Tesla’s robot army could redefine industries, but failure to meet these targets could impact Musk’s leadership and Tesla’s future in robotics.
