Some Tesla workers resist training Optimus robots to replace them
Tesla had workers in Texas and California wear special suits to record their movements and generate data for imitation learning by Optimus robots. Ars Technica reports that some workers complained because they knew the robots were designed to eventually replace them; the company has apparently shifted data collection to dedicated teams and set up “training hubs,” according to The Information, as cited by the site.
The manufacturing process is still reportedly imperfect, requiring immediate repairs to newly produced robots. Touch sensors in the hands have reportedly proved unreliable, while the robots’ AI is still reportedly insufficient for general-purpose operations and requires programming for specific tasks in controlled environments. Tesla aims to reach 1,000 Optimus robots per week by the end of 2026 and also relies on Chinese suppliers for some components amid competition from automakers and robotics companies.
Why it matters · editorial interpretation
The case suggests that expanding Optimus involves labor and operational challenges beyond manufacturing: Tesla reportedly had to change how it collects data, while repairs, unreliable sensors and task-specific programming still limit operations. That could make the company’s scaling target more complex.
Sources
Society