Tech investor and podcaster Jason Calacanis recently made some bold claims after getting an early look at Tesla’s next-generation humanoid robot, Optimus V3. According to Calacanis, the robot could be so transformative that it completely overshadows Tesla’s identity as a car company.
In a recent episode of the All-In Podcast, Calacanis shared his experience of visiting Tesla with Elon Musk and seeing the latest version of the Optimus robot firsthand. His reaction was unequivocal, stating, “I saw Optimus 3. I can tell you now, nobody will remember that Tesla ever made a car. They will only remember Optimus and that he is going to make a billion of those. It’s going to be the most transformative technology product ever made in the history of humanity.”
These comments add to the growing hype surrounding Optimus V3, a product that Elon Musk has described as one of the most important ventures Tesla has ever undertaken. Musk previously mentioned during Tesla’s Q3 earnings call last fall that the humanoid robot would be unveiled to the public in February or March 2026, highlighting its realistic features that will make people question if it’s actually a robot.
Behind the scenes, Tesla is already gearing up for mass production of Optimus V3. Pilot production of the robots is currently underway at the Fremont Factory, with plans to scale towards a one-million-unit annual production line by late 2026. Additionally, Tesla has begun construction on a massive Optimus manufacturing facility at Gigafactory Texas, which is anticipated to be operational by 2027 and able to produce up to 10 million robots per year.
Recent footage shared by Tesla showcased an Optimus prototype jogging smoothly across a lab floor, demonstrating significant advancements in balance, locomotion, and real-world mobility. As hiring for the Optimus program ramps up in preparation for a production-intent prototype and commercial launch, it is evident that Tesla is making strides towards making Optimus a reality.
While Calacanis’ prediction that people will forget Tesla ever made cars may seem extreme, it reflects a growing belief among investors and Elon Musk that Optimus could potentially become Tesla’s flagship product. Should Tesla successfully scale humanoid robots in the same manner it did with electric vehicles, Optimus may not only redefine the company but also revolutionize entire industries.