The claim
“Optimus robots are already working in Tesla's factories.”
Tesla's official account said in June 2024 that two Optimus robots were doing tasks in its factory on their own. Electrek, 28 Jan 2026
Some Optimus robots work in Tesla factories, but only in tightly controlled, supervised areas; most are used for testing, training and data collection.
01The evidence
Independent
The Information reported that the Optimus robots working inside Tesla's factories are kept to tightly controlled areas with people supervising.
Independent
The same report said most Optimus units are used inside Tesla for testing, training and collecting data.
Independent
Three people familiar with the system said Optimus's AI cannot yet reliably handle a wide range of tasks.
Company or forecast
On Tesla's January 2026 earnings call, Elon Musk said Optimus was not being used in its factories in a meaningful way.
Company or forecast
Musk also said Optimus had done some basic tasks in the factory.
Independent
The Information reported Tesla went from a few dozen Optimus units a week during small test batches in the second quarter to several hundred a week in August.
What we don't know. Tesla has not said how many Optimus robots do regular work in its factories, which jobs they do, or how often people step in.