Tesla starts Optimus humanoid robot production at Fremont plant

Tesla is converting space at its Fremont, California factory—previously used for Model S and Model X production—into a manufacturing line for its Gen 3 Optimus humanoid robot. Footage and photos released in early July show a pilot production line and Elon Musk touring the facility, highlighting the assembly of early‑stage Optimus units.

Musk said the company aims to begin limited production by late July or August 2026, with a long‑term target of up to one million robots per year. The robot is designed for repetitive or hazardous tasks in factories and, eventually, household settings. Tesla hopes the venture will become a major growth driver, potentially exceeding the value of its automotive business.

The move leverages Tesla’s existing vertical‑integration, AI expertise from its self‑driving and Dojo supercomputing projects, and the existing vehicle‑production infrastructure at Fremont. Analysts note the ambitious timeline and the challenges of scaling a complex humanoid platform, but view the development as a significant step for the company’s diversification into robotics.