Tesla prepares for mass production of Optimus humanoid robot

Tesla is preparing for the mass production of its third-generation humanoid robot, Optimus. To facilitate this transition from research to serial manufacturing, the company has begun auditing suppliers in China, specifically within the Yangtze River Delta region, including Ningbo, Hangzhou, and Shanghai.

Tesla engineers are inspecting facilities to ensure production lines can meet requirements for key electromechanical components such as joint modules, actuators, and precision structural parts. Several Chinese firms, including Tuopu Group, Sanhua Intelligent Controls, and Joyson Electronic, are identified as potential suppliers. These companies already maintain existing relationships with Tesla through the production of electric vehicle components.

The third-generation Optimus features significant improvements to hand mechanisms and joint actuators, with initial deployment intended for industrial tasks like material handling. Tesla has repurposed a former Model S and Model X production line in Fremont, California, for Optimus, with plans to establish a second line in Texas that could eventually reach a capacity of 10 million units annually.