Tesla optimizes Optimus: Upgrade before planned production pause

Introduction
Are you curious about how the Tesla Optimus will continue to evolve? Before the humanoid robots go into series production, Tesla is taking a targeted production pause to drastically increase performance and reliability with comprehensive hardware and software optimizations. In this article, you'll learn what improvements are planned, how long the pause will last, and what this means for Tesla's ambitious production goals.

Background and Goals of the Optimus Upgrade

Tesla has already manufactured over 1,000 units of the first Optimus prototype. To make the robots suitable for widespread use, several critical systems are now being revised. The goal is to

improve the thermal control in the joint actuators,
increase the load capacity and sensitivity of the hands,
extend the lifespan of the gear components
and further optimize the battery performance.

These measures aim not only to minimize short-term failures but also to reduce maintenance costs in the long term and ensure reliable availability.

Planned Production Pause and Timeline

The procurement of new parts for the current Optimus has been halted. According to reports from Chinese suppliers, a two-month pause is planned during which Tesla will specify and validate the revised components. Subsequently, the parts ordering will restart, followed by an announcement of the revised mass production plans. Originally, Tesla aimed for an annual production of up to 10,000 units by the end of 2025 – this goal may be slightly delayed due to the pause.

Technical Improvements in Detail

Optimized Thermal Control

New cooling channels and improved thermal conductive materials are intended to prevent overheating during continuous operation.

Higher Load Capacity and Finer Gripping Force

Modified actuators and sensor updates enable the robot to lift up to 20% more weight and undertake more sensitive tasks.

Longer Gear Lifespan

Reinforced gear alloys and more precise manufacturing reduce wear in the transmission by an estimated 30%.

Improved Battery Efficiency

New cell chemistry and optimized battery management increase runtime per charge and enhance the total number of cycles.

Leadership Change and AI Integration

In early July 2025, Ashok Elluswamy took over the leadership of Optimus development. Under his leadership, the humanoid robot will be equipped with Grok-based voice control to enable more natural interactions. This brings Tesla one step closer to the visionary goal of establishing Optimus as a central pillar of the company in the long term.

Conclusion
The production pause for the Tesla Optimus is a strategic step to eliminate technical teething problems and make the robot series reliable. When Tesla resumes mass production after about two months, the humanoid helpers could not only be more versatile but also more durable – thereby laying the foundation for the planned large-scale production start.