Elon Musk told investors he won’t build Tesla’s robot army of Optimus humanoids without maintaining a ‘strong influence’ over them, linking his proposed $1 trillion pay package to the project’s success and portraying the robots as both a technological revolution and the key to ending human labor. (Source: Image by RR)

Musk Says He Won’t Build Tesla’s Robot Army without Retaining Influence

Elon Musk, during Tesla’s latest earnings call, emphasized that he must retain “strong influence” over the company’s Optimus humanoid robot program, a project he envisions as world-changing — and potentially world-dominating. The CEO’s comments, as noted in wired.com, came as Tesla shareholders prepare to vote in November on a staggering $1 trillion compensation plan that would raise Musk’s stake in the company from 13% to 25%, provided he hits several ambitious goals — including delivering 1 million Optimus robots.

Musk framed the issue not just as a matter of control, but as a moral and existential one. “If I go ahead and build this enormous robot army, can I just be ousted at some point in the future?” he said, warning that he wouldn’t be comfortable developing such a powerful system without maintaining influence over it. He clarified that he doesn’t seek absolute control, only enough to “ensure it can’t be misused.” The statement underscores Musk’s belief that Tesla is no longer just an automaker but a pioneering AI and robotics company—one he claims could be worth up to $20 trillion, more than five times Nvidia’s current valuation.

Throughout the call, Musk painted Optimus as a force for good. He envisioned a world where “working will be optional,” and Tesla robots would “free humanity from drudgery,” even performing surgeries and other complex tasks. Calling the robots “an infinite money glitch,” Musk claimed they could eradicate poverty and make medical care universally accessible. Yet, production of Optimus remains in early stages. Despite internal targets to build 5,000 units this year, reports suggest Tesla has scaled back. Musk now promises a “production-intent prototype” by February or March 2026, with full-scale manufacturing planned for late next year.

At Tesla events and showrooms, the Optimus robots have so far been limited to simple demonstrations like serving popcorn, dancing, or playing rock-paper-scissors — many of which were later revealed to have been human-operated. Still, Musk’s vision remains undeterred. “Optimus will change everything,” he said. “It’s not about replacing humans — it’s about liberating them.” Whether that liberation looks like convenience or control, one thing is certain: Musk intends to keep his hand firmly on the steering wheel of Tesla’s robotic future.

read more at wired.com