![Tesla Optimus Gen 3: Complete Guide to Price, Specs & Release Date [2026]](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/67ea6793adf74f7d3087e4e4/6981e7846d2877c5fbdd9421_0sEc4MT.png)
Quick Answer: Tesla Optimus Gen 3 is now in mass production as of January 21, 2026 at the Fremont factory, targeting 1 million units per year. Key upgrades include 22-DoF hands (double Gen 2's 11 DoF), improved autonomous capabilities, and a target consumer price of $20,000-$30,000. Consumer sales are expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027, making it the most affordable full-size humanoid robot from a major manufacturer.
Last updated: February 2026 — Includes mass production launch, Fremont factory conversion, and updated pricing/availability details.
Key Takeaways
- Mass production started January 21, 2026 at Tesla's Fremont factory, with Model S/X lines converted to robot production
- 22-DoF hands (double Gen 2's 11 DoF) enable piano playing, egg handling, and complex manipulation tasks
- Target price: $20,000-$30,000 — the most affordable full-size humanoid from a major manufacturer
- Production capacity: 1 million units/year at Fremont; Gen 4 at Giga Texas will target 4 million units/year
- Consumer availability: Late 2026-2027 — likely via lease-to-own program first
- Mars mission: 2026 — Optimus will travel to Mars aboard SpaceX Starship
Table of Contents
- What Is Tesla Optimus Gen 3?
- When Did Gen 3 Mass Production Start?
- What Are the Complete Gen 3 Specifications?
- How Does Gen 2 Compare to Gen 3?
- How Much Does Tesla Optimus Cost?
- When Can You Buy Tesla Optimus?
- Where Is Tesla Optimus Manufactured?
- What AI Does Tesla Optimus Use?
- How Does Optimus Compare to Competitors?
- What Can Tesla Optimus Do?
- Is Tesla Optimus a Good Investment?
- Frequently Asked Questions
On January 21, 2026, Tesla officially commenced mass production of the Tesla Optimus Gen 3 humanoid robot at its Fremont, California factory—marking the definitive start of what Elon Musk calls the "Physical AI" era. This isn't just another prototype announcement. This is Tesla betting its future on robots.
With Gen 2 proving the concept, Gen 3 represents Tesla's first production-intent humanoid robot. The company has discontinued Model S and Model X production at Fremont to make way for a dedicated 1 million units per year Optimus production line.
In this complete guide, we break down everything you need to know about the Tesla Optimus Gen 3: its confirmed specifications, the Optimus robot price targets, when you can actually buy one, and how it stacks up against competitors like Figure 02 and Unitree G1.
What Is Tesla Optimus Gen 3?
Tesla Optimus Gen 3 (also called Optimus V3 or Tesla Bot Gen 3) is the third generation of Tesla's general-purpose humanoid robot. It's the first version designed from the ground up for mass manufacturing, not just demonstrations.
Key facts about Optimus Gen 3:
- Official name: Tesla Optimus Generation 3 (V3)
- Mass production start: January 21, 2026
- Production location: Tesla Fremont Factory, California
- Target capacity: 1 million units/year at Fremont
- AI system: Tesla FSD-derived neural networks
- Target price: Under $30,000 (long-term goal: under $20,000)
The Optimus robot is named after Optimus Prime from the Transformers franchise—fitting for a robot that Tesla hopes will transform the global economy.
When Did Gen 3 Mass Production Start?
Tesla made history on January 21, 2026 when it officially began mass production of Optimus Gen 3 at its Fremont factory. This came alongside the news that Tesla is discontinuing the Model S and Model X in Q2 2026 to repurpose those production lines for Optimus.
According to Tesla's Q4 2025 earnings call, the company is planning:
- Phase 1 (2026): Fremont produces Optimus Gen 3, targeting 1 million units/year capacity
- Phase 2 (2027+): Giga Texas takes over with Gen 4 production at 4 million units/year
- Long-term: Scale to 10 million units/year
The decision to sacrifice two iconic vehicle models for robot production signals just how serious Tesla is about Optimus. Fremont will serve as the proving ground before Giga Texas scales production even further.
"Tesla is replacing its production line for S and X in Fremont with a 1 million unit per year line of Optimus." — Tesla Q4 2025 Earnings Report
What Are the Complete Gen 3 Specifications?
Tesla Optimus Gen 3 stands 173cm tall, weighs approximately 57kg, and features 22 degrees of freedom in each hand—exactly double Gen 2. Here's what we know based on official announcements, earnings calls, and confirmed demonstrations:
| Specification | Optimus Gen 3 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 173 cm (5'8") | Human-scale design |
| Weight | ~57 kg (125 lbs) | 22 lbs lighter than Gen 1 |
| Hand DOF | 22 degrees of freedom | Double Gen 2's 11 DOF |
| Wrist DOF | 3 degrees of freedom | New in Gen 3 |
| Total DOF | 28+ (estimated) | Full body articulation |
| Walking Speed | 5-8 km/h | 30% faster than Gen 1 |
| Running Speed | Up to 8 km/h | Confirmed capability |
| Payload Capacity | 20 kg (45 lbs) | Carrying capacity |
| Arm Lift | 4.5 kg extended | Per arm |
| AI System | Tesla FSD-derived | Same neural net architecture |
| Vision | Multi-camera array | 360° perception |
| Actuators | Tesla-designed electric | Custom motors throughout |
| Battery | 2.3 kWh (estimated) | Integrated pack |
Why Are the Gen 3 Hands a Game-Changer?
The most significant upgrade in Gen 3 is the completely redesigned hand. Tesla's new hand features 22 degrees of freedom—exactly double the 11 DOF in Gen 2. This fundamentally changes what the robot can do.
Tesla demonstrated the new hand catching a tennis ball thrown at it—a task requiring split-second coordination and fine motor control. Musk claims the improved hand design means Optimus can now "perform almost any tasks humans can."
The hand also includes:
- Tactile sensors on fingertips
- Force-torque feedback for delicate manipulation
- Sufficient dexterity to handle eggs without breaking them
- Piano-playing capability (demonstrated)
How Does Gen 2 Compare to Gen 3?
Gen 3 is the first version designed from the ground up for mass manufacturing. Here's a detailed comparison showing Tesla's rapid iteration cycle:
| Feature | Gen 1 (2022) | Gen 2 (2023) | Gen 3 (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Prototype | Advanced prototype | Mass production |
| Weight | ~73 kg | ~57 kg | ~57 kg |
| Hand DOF | 6 DOF | 11 DOF | 22 DOF |
| Walking Speed | ~3 km/h | ~5 km/h | 5-8 km/h |
| Actuators | Off-the-shelf | Tesla-designed | Tesla-designed (improved) |
| Balance | Required support | Yoga poses | Human-like |
| Autonomy | Minimal | Teleoperated + basic | Full autonomous capability |
| Production | Handbuilt | Limited run | 1M+ units/year target |
Each generation roughly doubles key capabilities while maintaining the same basic form factor.
How Much Does Tesla Optimus Cost?
The Tesla robot price is the most anticipated detail. Tesla is targeting $20,000-$30,000 at scale, which would make it the most affordable full-size humanoid robot from a major manufacturer.
What Are Tesla's Official Price Targets?
Elon Musk has provided several price targets over the years:
- "We, Robot" Event (Oct 2024): $20,000 to $30,000 at scale
- March 2024: "Less than $25,000-$30,000 over time"
- Long-term vision: Under $20,000—"less than a car"
What Is the Current Cost Reality?
The current manufacturing cost is significantly higher. Industry estimates suggest:
- Current hand cost alone: $30,000-$80,000
- Full unit cost (estimated): $50,000-$100,000
- Target at scale: Under $20,000 manufacturing cost
How Does Tesla Optimus Price Compare to Competitors?
| Robot | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Optimus Gen 3 | $20,000-$30,000 (target) | Consumer: Late 2026/2027 |
| 1X NEO | $20,000 (or $499/mo) | Pre-order now, shipping 2026 |
| Unitree G1 | $16,000 | Available now |
| Unitree H1 | $90,000 | Available now |
| Figure 02 | $30,000-$150,000 (est.) | Enterprise only |
| Agility Digit | ~$250,000 | Enterprise pilot |
| Boston Dynamics Atlas | ~$420,000 | Enterprise only |
If Tesla hits its $20,000-$30,000 target, Optimus would be the most affordable full-size humanoid robot from a major manufacturer—competing directly with the lowest-cost humanoid robots on the market.
For a deeper analysis of Tesla robot pricing, see our dedicated Tesla Robot Price Guide.
When Can You Buy Tesla Optimus?
As of February 2026, you cannot buy a Tesla Optimus. Tesla has not opened public pre-orders. Here's the realistic timeline based on Tesla's official statements:
Confirmed Timeline
- January 21, 2026: Mass production began at Fremont
- Q1 2026: Gen 3 official unveiling
- Q2 2026: Model S/X production ends, full Optimus transition
- End of 2026: Thousands deployed internally at Tesla factories
- 2027: Consumer sales begin (Musk's stated target)
Consumer Availability Predictions
Based on Tesla's announcements and industry analysis:
- Internal deployment (2026): Thousands of Optimus robots working in Tesla factories
- Enterprise sales (late 2026/early 2027): Limited sales to other companies
- Consumer "Home Edition" (late 2026-2027): Likely via lease-to-own program first
- Mass consumer availability (2027-2028): Broader retail availability
Important caveat: Tesla has a history of ambitious timelines. Expect some delays.
Where Is Tesla Optimus Manufactured?
Tesla's production strategy for Optimus is remarkably aggressive, converting iconic vehicle production lines to robot manufacturing.
Fremont Factory Conversion
The same Fremont factory floor that built Model S since 2012 and Model X since 2015 is being converted to Optimus production:
- Square footage: Former Model S/X lines
- Target capacity: 1 million units per year
- Timeline: Full conversion by Q2 2026
Giga Texas: The Future
Elon Musk confirmed that Optimus Gen 4 will be manufactured at Giga Texas:
- Initial capacity: 4 million units/year
- Full expansion: Up to 10 million units/year
- Timeline: 2027 and beyond
What AI Does Tesla Optimus Use?
Tesla Optimus runs on an adaptation of Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) neural network—the same AI that powers Tesla vehicles. This gives Optimus several unique advantages.
What Is Tesla's AI Advantage?
- Shared neural network architecture: Same AI that powers Tesla vehicles
- Training data: Billions of miles of real-world driving data
- Vision-first approach: No LiDAR, pure camera-based perception
- End-to-end learning: Single neural network from sensors to action
What Autonomous Capabilities Does Gen 3 Have?
Gen 3 represents a major leap in autonomy. Tesla has demonstrated:
- Object sorting: Identifying and organizing items by color/type
- Navigation: 97.3% accuracy in complex environments (claimed)
- Facial recognition: 99.7% accuracy (claimed)
- Task learning: Imitation learning from human demonstration
Critics have noted that previous demonstrations relied heavily on teleoperation. Tesla claims Gen 3 will operate autonomously for most tasks.
How Does Optimus Compare to Competitors?
Tesla isn't alone in the humanoid robot race. Here's how Optimus stacks up against the leading alternatives:
Tesla Optimus vs Figure 02
Figure 02 from the $39 billion-valued Figure AI is Tesla's most direct competitor:
- AI: Helix foundation model (learns by watching)
- Battery: 5-hour life vs. Optimus's ~2 hours
- Partnership: BMW factory deployment
- Availability: Enterprise only, no consumer plans announced
Tesla Optimus vs 1X NEO
1X NEO is the only humanoid with real consumer pre-orders:
- Price: $20,000 or $499/month subscription
- Availability: US deliveries starting 2026
- Approach: Human-in-the-loop teleoperation
Tesla Optimus vs Unitree G1/H1
Chinese manufacturer Unitree offers the most affordable options:
- Unitree G1: $16,000, 43 DOF, research-focused
- Unitree H1: $90,000, full-size, 13 km/h run speed
- Availability: Both available now
For a complete breakdown, see our Best Humanoid Robots 2026 guide and our analysis of Tesla Optimus Alternatives & Competitors.
What Can Tesla Optimus Do?
Tesla envisions Optimus as a truly general-purpose robot. Here are the planned use cases:
Factory & Industrial Tasks
The first deployments are already happening at Tesla facilities:
- Battery cell handling and sorting
- Quality inspection
- Material transport
- Repetitive assembly tasks
- Working 12-hour shifts without breaks
Home Assistance Tasks
Musk's ultimate vision is household robots:
- Cooking and food preparation
- Cleaning and tidying
- Laundry folding
- Grocery shopping
- Elderly care and companionship
Specialized Applications
Musk has also mentioned more ambitious use cases:
- Surgery: Precision medical procedures
- Mars colonization: Optimus will travel to Mars aboard SpaceX Starship in 2026
- Dangerous work: Hazardous material handling, disaster response
Is Tesla Optimus a Good Investment?
Tesla is betting big that Optimus could become more valuable than its entire car business. Musk's $1 trillion compensation package is tied to producing at least 1 million robots.
What Is the Market Potential?
- Tesla's estimate: Optimus could generate more revenue than vehicles
- Unit economics: 1 million units at $25,000 = $25 billion revenue
- Long-term: 10+ million units/year would represent a massive new business segment
What Are the Investment Risks?
- Manufacturing complexity far exceeds vehicles
- AI reliability not yet proven at scale
- Competition is intensifying rapidly
- Regulatory uncertainty for home robots
Frequently Asked Questions About Tesla Optimus Gen 3
How much does the Tesla Optimus robot cost?
Tesla's target price for Optimus is $20,000 to $30,000 at scale production. Elon Musk has said it will eventually cost "less than a car." Current manufacturing costs are significantly higher, but Tesla expects to achieve the target price through mass production efficiencies.
When can I buy a Tesla Optimus?
Tesla plans to begin consumer sales in late 2026 or 2027. Enterprise/industrial sales may begin in late 2026. There's no pre-order system available yet. The first consumer units will likely be offered through a lease-to-own program before retail sales open.
What is the difference between Optimus Gen 2 and Gen 3?
The biggest difference is the hand design—Gen 3 has 22 degrees of freedom compared to Gen 2's 11 DOF. Gen 3 is also the first production-intent version, designed for mass manufacturing. It features improved AI, better autonomous capabilities, and refined sensors.
Where is Tesla Optimus Gen 3 manufactured?
Gen 3 is manufactured at Tesla's Fremont, California factory, using production lines previously dedicated to Model S and Model X. Future Gen 4 models will be built at Giga Texas with significantly higher capacity.
What can Tesla Optimus actually do?
Optimus can walk, run (up to 8 km/h), sort objects, carry items up to 20 kg, handle delicate objects like eggs, perform factory tasks, and navigate complex environments. Demonstrated tasks include folding laundry, sorting batteries, and basic cooking.
Is Tesla Optimus fully autonomous?
Not entirely. While Gen 3 has significantly improved autonomous capabilities, some demonstrations used teleoperation (remote human control). Tesla is working toward full autonomy for most tasks, but complex situations may still require human oversight.
How does Tesla Optimus compare to Boston Dynamics Atlas?
Atlas (~$420,000) has more advanced locomotion and acrobatic capabilities, while Optimus targets a much lower price point ($20,000-$30,000). Atlas is enterprise-only; Optimus is planned for consumer markets.
Will Tesla Optimus be available outside the United States?
Tesla has not announced international availability timelines. Given Fremont's location and Tesla's US-first approach, expect US availability first with international expansion following in 2027-2028.
Can I invest in Tesla Optimus specifically?
Optimus is part of Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA). There's no separate investment vehicle for the robot division. Tesla's stock price increasingly reflects Optimus's potential.
The Bottom Line
Tesla Optimus Gen 3 represents a genuine inflection point in humanoid robotics. With mass production now underway at Fremont, a dedicated 1 million unit/year production line, and a target price that would make robots more affordable than cars, Tesla is making its boldest bet yet.
Whether Musk's vision of billions of robots transforming the economy becomes reality remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Tesla bot price of under $30,000 would fundamentally change who can afford a humanoid robot.
For now, the wait continues. If Tesla hits its targets, you could be ordering your own Optimus by late 2026 or early 2027.
Ready to explore humanoid robots you can buy today? Check out our Tesla Optimus Gen 2 product page or browse our complete selection of humanoid robots for sale.
