Tesla and Amazon Advance Humanoid Robot Deployment
Tesla has begun early production of its Optimus humanoid robot as the U.S. government blocks foreign-produced mobile robots on national security grounds.
Tesla and Amazon are accelerating the integration of humanoid robots and automated systems into their workforces. Tesla has started early production of its Optimus humanoid robot at its Fremont facility. CEO Elon Musk described the production ramp-up as shallow and somewhat bumpy, with deliveries to outside customers expected by late 2027.
Amazon has already deployed more than one million wheeled robots and is currently testing the Digit humanoid robot developed by Agility Robotics, though a full deployment date remains unannounced. Additionally, OpenAI is developing its own humanoid robot with a demonstration targeted for 2027.
These domestic developments coincide with a shift in U.S. regulatory policy. The Federal Communications Commission added foreign-produced mobile robots to its Covered List, blocking new models from U.S. authorization due to national security concerns. This move primarily targets Chinese manufacturers, who shipped over 97% of the world's humanoid robots in early 2026.
