Optimus robots

Tesla shareholders approved Elon Musk’s compensation package, potentially worth nearly $1 trillion, awarding stock options tied to ambitious performance goals, including market capitalization and profitability targets. The vote also addressed Tesla’s potential investment in xAI, but next steps are under deliberation. Despite opposition from advisory firms, the board actively campaigned for approval, emphasizing Musk’s crucial role. The plan lacks restrictions on Musk’s political activities or time commitment to Tesla, despite ongoing debate regarding his controversial statements on sales. A Delaware court ruling on a previous pay package adds further complexity.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s plan to deploy Optimus humanoid robots in manufacturing faces pushback from ex-robotics head Chris Walti, who argues bipedal designs are impractical for industrial efficiency compared to specialized automation. While Tesla tests prototypes to counter labor shortages, Walti warns replicating human dexterity and balance remains a major technical hurdle, likening progress to “the third inning of a nine-inning game.” Analysts highlight the “jack-of-all-trades paradox,” questioning if Optimus’ projected $20,000 price and versatility can surpass task-specific robots dominating factories. Skeptics stress the need for proven ROI over existing systems, framing the debate as a high-stakes bet on automation’s future.