Tesla Bot for $40? How Much Does Elon Musk’s Optimus Robot Cost?

Key Takeaways

• Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robots could be available to consumers in 2026.
• CEO Elon Musk has said the bots will cost $20,000 to $30,000 once production is scaled.
• Other robot companies are also bringing down the costs of humanoid assistants.

The most advanced humanoid robots currently on the market cost upward of $100,000, putting them out of reach for many consumers. But Elon Musk has pitched Tesla’s Optimus as an affordable solution with mass market appeal.

While the robot isn’t expected to be commercially available until at least 2026, a $40 Optimus action figure sold out in minutes when it was listed on Tesla’s website earlier this month.

Optimus Figurine a Hit

Launched on the Tesla Shop last week, the “Tesla Bot Action Figure” is a one-tenth-scale collectible figurine.

After it sold out almost instantly, eBay listings for the mini Optimus priced it at up to ten times its original value as flippers sought to capitalize on the robot’s moment in the sun.

Tesla’s humanoid assistant also got a significant social media boost recently courtesy of Kim Kardashian.

The action figure’s resale value shouldn’t necessarily be used to gauge demand for the full-size model. But interest in Optimus is running high.

And if Tesla CEO Elon Musk is to be believed, the robot will be available at a far more affordable price range than contemporary equivalents.

Humanoid Robot for $20K?

In a recent live stream, Musk said Tesla planned to have Optimus bots working in its factories from next year and available to consumers from 2026.

“Long term,” he said the robot would cost “less than a car,” or “probably $20,000 to $30,000.”

While Tesla is expected to initially focus on industrial use cases, once it has scaled production, Optimus’ low price point could give it broad consumer appeal.

The whole point of humanoid robots is to fit seamlessly into a world designed for humans. Potential at-home uses for robots include preparing food, cleaning, and providing care.

Emerging Tesla Competitors

Once a distant sci-fi fantasy, humanoid robot assistants could soon become a reality. However, Tesla isn’t the only company eyeing their potential.

Fellow electric car maker XPeng recently debuted “Iron,” a humanoid bot the Chinese company claims to have already deployed in its factories.

Other leading Chinese robotics companies have also showcased impressive humanoid models, including Unitree’s G1 and Robot Era’s Star1.

Crucially, these firms also target a competitive price bracket that could make them more attractive to consumers. For instance, Unitree is reportedly readying the G1 for mass production with a $16,000 price tag.

Considering Tesla’s record for delays and Musk’s tendency to underestimate production timelines, the humanoid robot market might already be crowded by the time Optimus hits the shelves.