Tesla’s venture into humanoid robotics is quickly gaining traction, with its Optimus robot steadily progressing from a theatrical concept to a functional machine. As hinted by CEO Elon Musk during the second quarter 2025 earnings call, Optimus V3 will mark a turning point with new design, functionality, and perhaps even market dominance.
When Tesla first revealed the Optimus project during its 2021 AI Day, the robot was more show than substance represented by a non-functioning model and a performer in a robot costume. Yet, over time, Tesla has diligently refined its humanoid robot, leading to the development of Version 2, or V2, which is currently operational within the company.
Fast forward to early 2025, and internal ambitions are growing. During the Q1 2025 All-Hands Meeting, Elon Musk energized Tesla employees with a bold declaration: the company aims to produce its first “legion” of Optimus robots this year. These V2 units, already impressive with their 22 degrees of freedom in hand movement and agile mobility, were widely believed to be headed for mass production.
However, Musk clarified during the Q2 earnings call that consumers will not be receiving V2. Instead, the production model will be Version 3 an even more advanced iteration of the humanoid robot. This pivot indicates that Tesla is prioritizing a significantly refined and likely redesigned product for public release.
Elon Musk expressed confidence in Optimus V3, stating that it may represent a defining moment for Tesla’s future:
“The Optimus 3 design, as I mentioned earlier, is, I think, finding the right design. There will be further optimizations, but there are, I think, no fundamental changes that are needed for the Optimus 3 design. It has all the degrees of freedom that you really want or need,”
he said. Musk also praised the new version as being “exquisite.”
While Tesla has yet to unveil the final design of Optimus V3, expectations are high. If it resembles the futuristic humanlike concept teased in 2021, Optimus V3 could set a new standard in robotics.
