Tesla(US:TSLA) Xin Lang Cai Jing·2025-06-17 04:24Core Viewpoint - Tesla has filed a lawsuit against former engineer Zhongjie "Jay" Li for allegedly taking confidential information related to the Optimus project and using it to establish a startup, Proception Inc., which poses a threat to Tesla's market share in the rapidly growing robotics sector [1][4][6]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit claims that Zhongjie "Jay" Li, who served as a technical director at Tesla from August 2022 to September 2024, was responsible for sensitive technology data related to advanced robotic hand sensors [2][4]. - Li allegedly downloaded confidential documents onto personal devices shortly before leaving Tesla and accessed these files on his last day of employment [4][6]. - Proception Inc. was founded just six days after Li's departure from Tesla and has reportedly developed a humanoid robotic hand that closely resembles the one he helped design at Tesla [6][4]. Group 2: Company Background - Proception has received backing from prominent venture capitalists, including Y Combinator, which is led by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman [4][6]. - The startup claims to be working on humanoid robots capable of performing intricate tasks, such as threading a needle [4][10]. - Li has a strong academic background in mechanical and electrical engineering, having studied at Harbin Institute of Technology, Stony Brook University, and Stanford University [8][9]. Group 3: Tesla's Strategic Focus - Tesla is heavily investing in humanoid robotics, with plans for the Optimus robot to perform various tasks, including factory work and daily activities [11]. - CEO Elon Musk has indicated that the success of the Optimus project could significantly impact Tesla's overall value [11][12]. - Despite the lawsuit, Tesla's ambitions in the autonomous taxi and humanoid robot markets are seen as critical for maintaining competitiveness and high stock prices [12][14].