UPDATE: Tesla’s AI chief, Ashok Elluswamy, has just warned employees that 2026 will be the most challenging year of their careers. In a high-stakes all-hands meeting, Elluswamy urged staff from the Autopilot and Optimus teams to brace for intense pressure as the company gears up for ambitious goals in robot production and autonomous vehicle deployment.
The urgency of this announcement cannot be overstated. Tesla is racing against the clock to roll out its Robotaxi service across 8 to 10 metropolitan areas by the end of 2025, while simultaneously ramping up production of its humanoid robot, Optimus. This dual push is central to CEO Elon Musk‘s vision, with Musk’s own compensation package tied to the success of these initiatives.
Elluswamy’s address, described as a “rallying cry” by insiders, emphasized the need for heightened effort from all AI team members. The meeting lasted nearly two hours, where leaders outlined aggressive timelines for both the Optimus robot and the Robotaxi program. Employees will need to work harder than ever to meet these ambitious targets.
According to Musk’s statements during the October earnings call, the company aims for over 1 million Robotaxis to be operational by the end of 2026. He noted that production for Optimus is expected to start towards the end of that year, but cautioned that achieving an annualized production rate of 1 million units will be a complex challenge.
Tesla shareholders recently approved a pay package for Musk, potentially making him the world’s first trillionaire. This package includes milestones crucial for the success of Robotaxi and Optimus, reinforcing the pressure on teams to deliver results.
Elluswamy has been leading the Optimus team since the departure of former vice president Milan Kovac. Under his leadership, the focus has shifted to a vision aligned with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software, utilizing advanced camera technology. Weekly meetings with Musk ensure that the team stays on track, often extending late into the night.
As Tesla’s Autopilot and Optimus divisions prepare for what’s being labeled the “hardest year,” employees are feeling both the weight of expectations and the excitement of innovation. The outcome of these efforts will significantly impact Tesla’s future and the tech landscape as a whole.
What happens next? Watch for updates on Tesla’s progress in the upcoming months as they strive to meet these demanding deadlines. The world is waiting to see if they can deliver on their promises, making 2026 a pivotal year for the company and the industry.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates as this story develops.
