Tesla is ramping up Optimus V3 production while Elon Musk keeps key robot upgrades secret to prevent competitors from copying the technology.

Tesla’s shift from electric cars to high-tech robots is set to go into overdrive, with Elon Musk telling investors the “Optimus” robot will be its most important product yet.

Elon Musk says government checks for all could offset AI job losses without causing inflation. "Money Doctor" Steve Hanke said that might not be true.

A hyper-realistic, flesh-colored android head of Tesla boss Elon Musk on the mechanical frame of a four-legged robot dog was spotted by pedestrians on Oracle Park and the SoMa district on Wednesday.

Elon Musk has argued that federally funded checks delivering a universal high income are his preferred response to job losses tied to artificial intelligence, framing it as an inflation-safe policy if automation expands real output fast enough.

The acquisition comes after Tesla said new spending will go toward AI-related initiatives involving its robotaxi service and its Optimus humanoid.

Tesla released its 2026 first-quarter financial earnings today, providing another look at the progress of Elon Musk’s $1 trillion bet to transform his company into a leader of AI and robotics. Tesla said it earned $477 million in net income on $22.

Musk’s comment arrives as people remain concerned about AI replacing their jobs, with some headlines suggesting some 20% of jobs are at risk to automation.