Tesla’s Optimus project is gaining momentum as the company ramps up its efforts to bring the humanoid robot to life. With approximately 110 active job listings dedicated to the Optimus program on Tesla’s Careers page, it is evident that the company is making significant strides towards production.
The job listings cover a wide range of roles including hardware, software, AI, manufacturing, and robotics, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the Optimus project within Tesla. What was once a mere concept is now evolving into a full-fledged product line that Tesla believes could potentially rival its automotive business in the future.
Elon Musk provided a glimpse into the timeline for Optimus during Tesla’s Q3 2025 earnings call, setting out clear targets for the project. Musk mentioned that a production-intent prototype of Optimus version 3 will be ready for display by February or March 2026, with plans to establish a one-million-unit production line by the end of 2026. Musk also hinted that the robot will be so lifelike that it will be hard to believe it is not a real person.
In preparation for these ambitious goals, Tesla has begun construction on a new Optimus manufacturing facility at Gigafactory Texas. Pilot production of Optimus V3 units has already commenced at Tesla’s Fremont Factory, with plans to scale up to a one-million-unit annual production line by late 2026. The Gigafactory Texas facility is expected to be operational in 2027, with a long-term target of producing 10 million robots per year.
To support these efforts, Tesla has been recruiting top talent, including the recent hiring of AI engineer Yilun Chen from Apple to strengthen the Optimus team. Additionally, Tesla released a video showcasing a prototype of Optimus jogging smoothly across a lab floor, demonstrating the progress that has been made with the robot.
With the hiring spree, construction of manufacturing facilities, and clear timelines in place, it seems that Optimus is on the cusp of a significant breakthrough. If Tesla can deliver on its promises, 2026 may be the year when Optimus transitions from a concept in the lab to a reality in the real world.