The humanoid Optimus robots are supposed to be ready for mass production this year. Image: Tesla
Tesla faces a delicate moment with the exit of Milan Kovac, a key figure in the development of the humanoid robot Optimus. The engineer, who spent nine years with the company, announced his decision to leave the position immediately to devote more time to his family abroad. The news represents a significant blow to the robotics program that Elon Musk considers crucial to Tesla's future ambitions.
Kovac began his journey at Tesla in 2016, joining the team dedicated to the Autopilot program. With his expertise in machine learning, he quickly climbed the corporate ranks, leading Autopilot software engineering from 2019 to 2022. He transitioned to the Optimus project in 2022, culminating in his promotion to vice president in charge of the entire program in late 2024.
Tesla's CEO has repeatedly stressed the strategic importance of Optimus, going so far as to state that the humanoid robot could generate $10 trillion in annual revenues and bring the company's capitalization to $25 trillion. However, it must be said that current market projections paint a more conservative scenario, with estimates placing the humanoid robot segment between $15 billion and $80 billion by 2032.
The Optimus program has shown tangible progress over the past year, with demonstrations including the ability to manipulate objects, open doors, and throw a ball. Tesla aims to begin pilot production at its Fremont plant in 2025, with the goal of deploying the robots directly in its factories. However, the project has faced production challenges related to Chinese restrictions on the export of magnets made from rare earths, essential components for the robot's hardware.
Ashok Elluswamy, current head of Autopilot teams, will assume Kovac's responsibilities in the Optimus program. The transition comes as Tesla competes with companies such as Boston Dynamics, Figure and 1X in the emerging field of humanoid robotics, with Kovac's exit joining that of other engineers in the program, including Zackary Bernholtz, a seven-year veteran who recently moved to Figure. Kovac wanted to clarify that his decision is motivated solely by personal reasons, reiterating his support for Musk and the Tesla team.
https://electrek.co/2025/06/06/tesla-head-optimus-humanoid-robot-leaves-trillion-product/
