Following Elon Musk's announcement of Optimus sales by 2027, Tesla's humanoid robot has started an apprenticeship at its Austin factory, learning complex tasks from camera-equipped trainers amid CES 2026 robotics advances. Deployment in factories is targeted by end-2026.
Humanoid robotics advanced notably at CES 2026, with demonstrations shifting toward early deployment and mass production potential. Tesla leads with Optimus, integrating it into operations after Musk's January 24 Davos reveal of public sales by late 2027—once reliability is assured.
Reports on January 25 confirmed Optimus entering an apprenticeship phase on Tesla's Austin production line. Guided by camera-equipped human trainers, the robot is training for intricate factory roles, aiming for broader deployment by year-end. This builds on existing simple-task usage in Tesla facilities.
Meanwhile, Hyundai's Atlas robot faces setbacks, including labor union resistance and mobility issues, despite initial market enthusiasm. Tesla's Austin initiative highlights accelerating industry momentum, though full autonomy remains challenging ahead of 2026-2027 milestones.
