In a bold vision of the future, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has projected that humanoid robots will surpass the human population within the next two decades. This prediction was shared on Tuesday during Musk’s talk at the Future Investment Initiative, an innovative conference established by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in 2017.
Musk envisions a scenario by 2040 where there could potentially be around 10 billion humanoid robots in use globally. He estimated the expense of acquiring such a versatile “robot that can do anything” at approximately $20,000 to $25,000 each. This cost aligns closely with Musk’s previous pricing for Tesla’s Optimus robots, which he unveiled during the company’s inaugural “We, Robot” event earlier this month. Musk anticipates a long-term price tag for these robots to range between $20,000 and $30,000 once full-scale production ramps up.
The journey of Tesla’s Optimus robots began infamously with a 2021 debut marked by an entertaining spectacle involving a human performer in costume. However, recent demonstrations showcased a more sophisticated set of capabilities. At the recent event, the robots engaged in various tasks—from distributing gift bags and drinks to playing games like rock, paper, scissors with attendees. They also delighted the audience with dancing, set to beats such as the remix of “What is Love (Baby Don’t Hurt Me).” Despite these advancements, Tesla confirmed that the robots were frequently reliant on teleoperation to enhance their functionality. With about 20 robots in action simultaneously, one minor mishap did occur when a robot took a tumble.
Further displaying the evolving prowess of its robotic line, Tesla released a short video illustrating an Optimus unit adeptly performing tasks such as assembling battery trays, climbing stairs, and serving bottled drinks and popcorn. Currently, two of these robots have been integrated into Tesla’s production line, although the specifics of their roles remain undisclosed. Musk assured that limited production of Optimus robots will commence next year, with projections to employ a few thousand units at Tesla facilities by 2025. By 2026, Musk envisions entering high-volume production, ultimately achieving a product scale he claims could make Tesla a “$25 trillion company.”
Tesla is not isolated in its pursuit of groundbreaking humanoid technology. The race includes more than a dozen competitors, such as Figure AI, Apptronik, the Toyota Research Institute, and Boston Dynamics, all striving to advance their own robotic innovations. As technology continues to evolve, the influence and presence of humanoid robots could redefine our interaction with the world, heralding a new era in automation and robotics.