Tesla's Optimus Robot Push Hits Hand Assembly Snags
Tesla shifts Fremont workers to Optimus as robot hand complexity and employee pushback slow the humanoid program, The Information reports.
Tesla is pivoting from electric cars to humanoid robots, but its Optimus program is grappling with technical hurdles and internal friction, according to a report from The Information. The company has moved both line workers and engineers at its Fremont factory to work on Optimus after halting Model S and Model X production there as of May 2026.
The newest version, Optimus V3, is now being built at a rate of hundreds of robots per week, with Tesla aiming to surpass 1,000 units per week by the end of 2026. However, the robot's hands and forearms together contain more than 100 small components, such as screws, that must be manually assembled by human workers.
During Tesla's second-quarter 2026 earnings call, CEO Elon Musk described Optimus as potentially 'the biggest product ever.' He also acknowledged that creating an autonomous humanoid capable of handling many tasks is one of the hardest things to solve.
Scaling challenges
The Information reported multiple complications in Tesla's development and scaling of general-purpose robots, including the intricate assembly process and employee pushback. The shift of Fremont staff to Optimus work underscores the company's strategic bet on robotics even as it faces these obstacles.
Quick answers
What is Tesla's newest Optimus robot version?
The newest version is called Optimus V3.
How many Optimus robots is Tesla targeting per week?
Tesla is targeting production surpassing 1,000 robots per week by the end of 2026.
Why are Optimus hands difficult to make?
The hands and forearms together have more than 100 small components, such as screws, that must be manually assembled by human workers.