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Tesla’s Cybercab, Optimus Output to Start ‘Agonizingly Slow,’ Ramp Up Later, Musk Says

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Tesla chief executive Elon Musk said early production of the company’s Cybercab robotaxi and Optimus humanoid robot will be “agonizingly slow” before accelerating significantly as manufacturing matures.

Responding to a post on X, Musk said production speed depends heavily on complexity, noting that output is inversely proportional to the number of new parts and manufacturing steps involved. Because both Cybercab and Optimus rely on largely new designs and processes, early volumes will be limited before scaling rapidly.

Tesla has said it aims to begin volume production of the two-seat Cybercab, which lacks manual controls such as a steering wheel or pedals, in 2026. Output of the Optimus robot is expected to begin toward the end of that year. In December, Musk said Tesla was already testing robotaxis without safety monitors in the front passenger seat.

Much of Tesla’s $1.39 trillion valuation is tied to expectations for self-driving technology and robotics, even as electric vehicles remain the company’s primary source of revenue. Musk has repeatedly described humanoid robots as central to Tesla’s long-term strategy, arguing they could eventually surpass its vehicle business in economic impact.

Mubadala Targets Opportunities in AI and Robotics, CEO Says

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Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala is stepping up its focus on artificial intelligence and robotics, identifying the convergence of the two as a key driver of future industrial growth, according to its group chief executive.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Khaldoon Al Mubarak said the intersection of AI and robotics could significantly reshape manufacturing and broader industry. He noted that the pace of technological change has shortened traditional investment horizons, making even five-year outlooks difficult to predict.

With assets of about $330 billion, Mubadala has expanded its technology portfolio in recent years, building positions across semiconductors, data centres, and AI infrastructure. Al Mubarak said robotics is becoming increasingly relevant as AI capabilities mature and begin to translate into physical automation.

Beyond industrial technology, Mubadala is also prioritising investments in life sciences, healthcare, and biotechnology, sectors the CEO said are likely to be transformed by AI-driven innovation. He added that the fund is preparing for a new phase of growth in Africa, as it looks to diversify geographically while aligning with long-term structural trends.

Physical AI Takes Centre Stage at CES, but Humanoid Helpers Remain Distant

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Just four years after the launch of ChatGPT brought artificial intelligence into the mainstream, CES in Las Vegas this week was dominated by talk of “physical AI” — robots, humanoids and autonomous systems that move AI beyond software and into the real world.

The annual technology show highlighted a clear shift by the global tech and auto industries from pure AI software toward hardware-driven applications. From robotics and autonomous driving to AI-powered home devices, exhibitors showcased visions of how AI could reshape daily life in the coming years.

Chip designer Arm Holdings said AI is fuelling a fresh wave of innovation and demand. Arm told Reuters it has reorganised its business to create a dedicated physical AI unit aimed at expanding into robotics. “AI is really driving a whole innovation and demand cycle,” said Chris Bergey, head of Arm’s PC and mobile unit.

Humanoid robots drew particular attention. Machines from companies including LG Electronics played poker, folded paper and danced with visitors. But their slow, carefully scripted movements underlined persistent hurdles such as limited processing power, battery constraints and difficulty handling real-world situations beyond pre-programmed tasks. Analysts said affordable, capable humanoid assistants remain years away.

AI HARDWARE MEETS SOFTWARE
Major tech players used CES to underline the convergence of AI hardware and software. Lenovo hosted a high-profile event featuring Jensen Huang and Lisa Su, unveiling its Qira AI assistant designed to work across PCs, phones and wearables, including services from companies such as Expedia.

Meta Platforms showcased upgrades to its Ray-Ban Display glasses and Neural Band, while Google introduced its Gemini AI model for TVs and smart home devices.

Alongside headline products, CES also featured more questionable AI applications. From AI-powered hair clippers and dry-cleaning gadgets to digital pets and talking avatars, analysts noted that many devices previously branded as “smart” now simply carried the AI label.

CHIPS UNDER THE HOOD
Behind the scenes, chipmakers stressed the need to move AI workloads from the cloud onto devices to control costs. Intel launched its Panther Lake laptop chip, built using its new 18A manufacturing process, while AMD unveiled new processors for AI PCs.

Still, questions remain over consumer demand. “The general consumer is still not aware of what an AI PC really means,” said Ben Bajarin of Creative Strategies, adding that it could take time before the benefits become clear.

While CES made clear that physical AI is the industry’s next big push, experts agreed that truly useful, affordable humanoid servants are still a long way off.