Tesla loses some AI staff to a new robotics startup

Core Insights - Sunday Robotics has emerged from stealth mode, revealing a team with significant experience from Tesla, including at least 10 former employees involved in Tesla's humanoid robot and self-driving initiatives [1][4] - The startup has introduced its home robot, Memo, which is capable of performing various household tasks [5] Company Overview - Sunday Robotics was co-founded by Cheng Chi and Tony Zhao in 2024, with Zhao having interned on Tesla's Autopilot team [5] - The company employs around 50 people, including engineers and memory developers focused on training the robot [4] Product Development - The home robot, Memo, was unveiled on November 19, showcasing its ability to pick up wine glasses, load a dishwasher, and fold socks [5] - Sunday Robotics is part of a growing trend in the robotics industry, with other startups like 1X also developing consumer-ready home robots [7] Team Composition - The team includes former Tesla employees with extensive backgrounds in AI infrastructure and robotics, such as Perry Jia and Nadeesha Amarasinghe, who worked on Tesla's Autopilot and Optimus programs [2][3] - The startup also has several former interns and employees from Tesla's Autopilot team, indicating a strong foundation in advanced robotics [4]