Driving

Musk Touts Tesla's Humanoid Robot

JAN 27 2022·Updated JAN 4 2023

Story

Image credit: Tesla [via The Independent]

The Facts

CEO Elon Musk touted a humanoid robot, 'Optimus', as Tesla's most important product in development during an earnings call with investors.
Independent
The announcement came as Tesla reported record-breaking growth for 2021 and quarterly profits topping analysts' expectations.
Independent
Tesla is the world's most valuable car-maker, with a market cap. equal to that of Toyota, Volkswagen, Daimler, Ford, GM and BMW combined.
Independent
It has struggled with supply chain and delivery issues, though, as well as delays in the launch of models such as the Roadster and Cybertruck.
Al Jazeera

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

This is classic misdirection by Musk, who's using the long-term prospect of a humanoid robot replacing human labor to distract shareholders from major production delays with Cybertruck, Semi and Roadster.

Verge

Narrative B

The call affirmed the longterm investment thesis behind Tesla, which is set to increase its sales by another 50% this year despite facing the same supply chain challenges plaguing other car manufacturers.

Fortune