Tesla's humanoid robot Optimus is facing an unexpected obstacle: The delivery of critical rare earth magnets from China is stalled – and this has consequences. Without these components, Optimus cannot operate, let alone be produced. The reason is an export ban by the Chinese authorities, who require precise proof of the civilian use of the technology. Elon Musk remains optimistic, but the production plans are faltering. What does this mean for Tesla's future plans?
China blocks export of rare earth magnets – Optimus comes to a halt
Rare earth metals like neodymium and dysprosium are essential for the high-performance motors in the Tesla robot Optimus. However, China, the world's leading exporter of these raw materials, has stopped the delivery – at least for now. The reason: concerns about possible military use.
“China wants to ensure that the components are not used for weapon systems,” explained Elon Musk on the Tesla earnings call for Q1 2025.
Tesla emphasizes: Optimus is a purely industrial and service robot, designed exclusively for civilian applications. Nevertheless, there is currently no valid export license – and without it, deliveries are halted.
Production stalls – Tesla struggles with delays
Originally, Tesla wanted to produce around 5,000 Optimus units by the end of 2025 – initially for internal use in their own Gigafactories. From 2026, the first units were to be sold to external customers.
But due to the supply bottleneck, the schedule is slipping. Musk explains:
“A complex product is only as fast as the slowest part in its supply chain – and Optimus consists of around 10,000 unique components.”
Currently, there is no established supply chain for Optimus – except for the AI4 chip, which is also used in Tesla's vehicles.
Optimus as a future project: 1 million robots per year by 2030?
Despite all setbacks, Musk remains committed to his vision: By 2030 at the latest, Tesla aims to reach an annual production of one million Optimus units. Possibly as early as 2029.
In the long term, the humanoid robot is expected to generate more revenue than Tesla's vehicles with autonomous driving – an ambitious goal, especially in light of declining vehicle sales and a 20% revenue decline in the first quarter of 2025.
Political Risk: When Technology Meets Geopolitics
The confrontation once again shows how much global supply chains and technological ambitions depend on political framework conditions. Especially with critical raw materials like rare earths, China has a dominant market position – a risk factor for Western companies.
Chinese authorities demand transparency, control, and guarantees – a foretaste of how international tech projects might be even more closely linked to foreign policy interests in the future.
Conclusion
Tesla's humanoid robot Optimus symbolizes the future of automation – but this very future currently hangs by the thin thread of geopolitics. Without Chinese rare earth magnets, Optimus remains a prototype without movement. Elon Musk remains optimistic, but the conflict makes it clear: The future of robotics is not only a matter of technology but also of diplomacy.
Did you like our article?
If you’re already more proud Tesla-Driver are or should be in a timely manner, visit our online shop Shop4Tesla and secure 10% Discount on all products with the discount code: NEWS4TESLA.In our extensive range you will find a variety of high-quality Tesla-Accessories for every model Discover exciting innovations and accessories that will Tesla-Make the experience even better - www.shop4tesla.com.
