Tesla’s Optimus Robot Program Loses Key Leader
▼ Summary
– Milan Kovac, engineering chief of Elon Musk’s Optimus robotics program, resigned abruptly, calling it “the hardest decision of my life” to spend more time with family.
– Ashok Elluswamy, leader of Tesla’s Autopilot teams, will replace Kovac as the new head of Optimus engineering.
– The leadership change comes as Musk pushes robotics as Tesla’s next major focus, despite Optimus’s mixed progress since its 2022 debut.
– Recent Optimus demos showed improved functionality, like serving drinks, but reports revealed some tasks were remotely controlled by humans.
– Musk aims for Optimus robots to perform household chores at a $20,000–$30,000 price, but Kovac’s exit raises uncertainty about the project’s future.
Tesla’s humanoid robot initiative faces uncertainty after the unexpected departure of its top engineering executive. The Optimus program, a cornerstone of Elon Musk’s vision for the future of robotics, now navigates a critical transition period following the resignation of Milan Kovac.
Kovac, instrumental in shaping Tesla’s ambitious humanoid robot project, announced his immediate exit on social media, describing it as an emotionally challenging choice driven by personal priorities. Industry sources reveal Ashok Elluswamy, known for his work on Tesla’s Autopilot technology, will assume leadership of the Optimus engineering team.
Since its unveiling in 2022, Optimus has faced skepticism. Early prototypes required human assistance just to move, while later demonstrations—showcasing tasks like serving drinks—were met with mixed reactions. Skeptics noted that some functions appeared remotely controlled rather than autonomously executed.
Musk has painted an ambitious future for Optimus, suggesting these robots could eventually handle household chores at a price point competitive with luxury cars. Yet Kovac’s exit raises questions about the project’s momentum, particularly as Tesla balances its robotics aspirations with its core automotive business. While the company remains committed to the vision, the road ahead just got a bit more unpredictable.
(Source: Mashable)
