Tesla’s Optimus robotics program is facing uncertainty following the sudden resignation of its engineering chief, Milan Kovac. Kovac, a key figure in the development of Elon Musk’s humanoid robots, announced his departure, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. Ashok Elluswamy, known for his leadership in Tesla’s Autopilot division, has been appointed as the new head of engineering for the Optimus project.
This leadership change is significant for Musk, who has been promoting robotics as Tesla’s next major innovation. The Optimus robots have struggled to impress since their initial unveiling in 2022, where they were shown as barely functional prototypes. Recent demonstrations in Los Angeles showcased more polished robots performing tasks like serving drinks, but reports suggest that some of these actions were controlled remotely by humans.
Musk envisions a future where Optimus robots handle household chores, with each unit potentially priced between $20,000 and $30,000. However, with Kovac’s departure, the journey from concept to a household product appears more uncertain.
