Humanoid robots are expected to surpass industrial robots by 2027, with projections indicating a market potential of 20 million units. According to Cathie Wood of ARK Invest, advancements in humanoid robots will significantly outpace those in industrial robots, as the development of these machines is forecasted to begin in earnest around 2028 or 2029.
On February 15, 2026, Wood stated, “Based on ARK Invest’s analysis, the release of humanoid robots is anticipated to have a major impact by 2028, with an even larger influence expected by 2029.” She highlighted that the Optimus humanoid robot from Tesla, which began its journey of development in October 2022, is projected to be priced between $25,000 and $30,000.
Tesla has positioned itself to create a “home assistant” akin to popular fictional robots like C-3PO or R2-D2. Currently, Tesla is focused on ramping up production of the Optimus humanoid robot in its factory, alongside preparing for the rollout of the third-generation robot models.
On January 29 this year, Tesla announced plans to further enhance its autonomous robot capabilities, with the first generation of Optimus already in the prototype phase. Concurrently, Tesla’s Cybercab (a driverless taxi) and Semi electric truck are set for production in 2026, alongside the Megapack 3 energy product.
In line with regulations, Tesla aims to transition its Model S/X production line to focus on humanoid robots, with plans to begin production in early 2026, potentially reaching an output of 100,000 units within the first year.
By January 2026, Tesla expects to have made substantial progress with Optimus, having achieved a significant milestone in production capabilities. The company is working to finalize the assembly line for the humanoid robots, with quality assurance processes set to commence soon.
As a conclusion, Tesla’s commitment to advancing humanoid robotics reflects a broader trend in the industry, where increasing automation and AI integration are shaping the future of technology.
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