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

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.