Elon Musk says production for Cybercab robotaxi and Optimus robot will initially be 'agonizingly slow' (www.businessinsider.com)

Elon Musk recently announced that the production ramp for Tesla's innovative Cybercab robotaxi and Optimus humanoid robot will be "agonizingly slow" due to the extensive use of new components and manufacturing steps. Scheduled to begin mass production this year, the Cybercab aims to revolutionize autonomous transportation with a design that eliminates traditional driving controls, targeting a production milestone of 2 million units annually. However, the rollout has faced delays, as the company works to enhance its robotaxi service following a disappointing start last year in Austin. The challenges Musk described echo previous production struggles, notably during the scaling of the Model 3. The meticulous nature of creating nearly the entire supply chain from scratch means that early production will lag significantly before accelerating to higher rates. Alongside the Cybercab, Optimus is set for late-2026 production, with plans to eventually manufacture 1 million units per year. Musk's candid remarks highlight the ongoing hurdles in bringing cutting-edge AI and robotics to market, underscoring the balancing act of innovation and scalability that is critical for Tesla’s future in AI-driven tech.