Tesla's Optimus Robot Could Reach Human-Level Proficiency in 2026 -- Time to Buy?

Core Insights - Tesla is shifting its focus from electric vehicles and energy storage to becoming a technology-enabled services business driven by artificial intelligence, with the Optimus robot at the forefront of this transformation [1][2] Group 1: Optimus Development and Capabilities - Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus Gen 3, has demonstrated advanced dexterity, including fine motor skills such as tearing paper towels and folding laundry [4] - The company aims to produce 1 million Optimus bots per year at its Fremont factory, although the robot is currently in the research and development phase and is only deployed within Tesla's factories for learning purposes [6] - Production of Optimus is expected to begin "probably the end of this year," according to CEO Elon Musk [7] Group 2: Market Position and Valuation - Tesla's current market capitalization stands at $1.6 trillion, with a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 202, indicating a high valuation relative to projected earnings [7] - There is a debate on whether Tesla stock is overvalued or undervalued, as no company has successfully deployed physical AI at a global scale, making it difficult to benchmark Optimus [8] - The potential for Tesla's stock to soar exists if the company successfully executes its vision for Optimus, but there are significant risks if the product fails to scale [9]