The dream of owning a humanoid robot capable of performing daily tasks is closer than ever. With advancements in AI and robotics, companies like Tesla and Figure are pushing the boundaries of what robots can achieve. But When Will Robots Be Available for Purchase? In this article, we explore the timelines, challenges, and price predictions for advanced robots like Tesla’s Optimus and Figure 02, drawing insights from industry experts to provide a clear picture of the future of humanoid robotics.
Timeline for Tesla’s Optimus: Are Tesla Robots Available for Purchase?
Tesla’s Optimus, unveiled in 2021, has captured global attention with its promise to handle repetitive, dangerous, or mundane tasks. According to Elon Musk, Tesla plans to begin low production of Optimus for internal use in its factories by mid-2025, with broader availability for external companies targeted for 2026. Limited consumer availability may follow in 2027, though timelines remain fluid due to the complexity of the technology.
2025: Limited production for Tesla’s internal use, with a goal of producing several thousand units for factory tasks like sorting battery cells.
2026: High production for external companies, potentially scaling to tens of thousands of units.
2027 and Beyond: Possible consumer availability, though no firm date has been confirmed.
While Musk’s ambitious projections suggest thousands of Optimus robots in factories by the end of 2025, experts caution that achieving full autonomy and consumer readiness will take longer. The Optimus Gen 2, showcased in 2023, demonstrated improved mobility and dexterity, but recent demos revealed some tasks were still human-assisted, indicating significant hurdles remain.
Figure 02 and Other Competitors: When Will They Hit the Market?
Figure, a robotics startup backed by Microsoft and NVIDIA, is another key player in the humanoid robot race. Its Figure 02 robot, designed for industrial and potentially domestic use, is slated for pilot testing in 2025 at BMW’s South Carolina factory. Commercial availability is expected to follow in 2026 or 2027, aligning closely with Tesla’s timeline. Other companies, like Boston Dynamics and Sanctuary AI, are also advancing their humanoid robots, with pilot programs in 2025 but no confirmed consumer release dates.
The competitive landscape suggests a gradual rollout, with industrial applications taking precedence over consumer markets. This phased approach allows companies to refine their robots in controlled environments before tackling the complexities of home settings.
R&D Challenges Slowing Down Consumer Availability
Developing a fully autonomous humanoid robot is a monumental task. Here are the key challenges facing companies like Tesla and Figure:
AI and Autonomy: Current prototypes rely heavily on human control or pre-programmed tasks. Achieving true autonomy requires advanced AI capable of learning from diverse environments, a process that demands extensive data and computational power.
Supply Chain Issues: Rare earth magnets, critical for robot actuators, face supply constraints due to geopolitical tensions, particularly between the US and China. Tesla is navigating these challenges through licensing agreements, but disruptions could delay production.
Cost and Scalability: Mass production is essential to make robots affordable, but scaling complex hardware and software systems without compromising quality is a significant hurdle.
Safety and Ethics: Ensuring robots are safe for human interaction and addressing concerns about job displacement require careful design and regulatory approval.
Industry experts, such as Jonathan Aitken from the University of Sheffield, note that while Tesla’s production targets are ambitious, the transition from prototypes to fully functional robots in diverse settings is a “monumental challenge.” Similarly, Christian Hubicki from Florida State University emphasizes that customer satisfaction will depend on robots performing reliably in real-world scenarios.
Ultimate Guide to Buying Robots in 2025Price Predictions: How Much Will These Robots Cost?
Cost is a critical factor for consumer adoption. Elon Musk has suggested that Optimus could eventually be priced below $20,000, comparable to an affordable car, once mass production is achieved. For context, Tesla aims to produce millions of units annually by the end of the decade, which could drive costs down significantly. Figure has not disclosed pricing for Figure 02, but industry estimates suggest a similar range of $20,000 to $30,000 for humanoid robots in the early consumer phase.
Ken Goldberg, a professor at UC Berkeley, suggests that initial buyers, such as retirees or businesses, may be willing to pay a premium for early models, but widespread adoption will depend on prices dropping closer to $10,000. Achieving this will require breakthroughs in manufacturing efficiency and economies of scale.
Pre-Order Options: Can You Reserve a Robot Now?
Currently, no major company, including Tesla or Figure, offers pre-orders for consumer humanoid robots. A post on X in April 2025 claimed Tesla was accepting pre-orders for Optimus starting at $29,990 with deliveries in late 2027, but this was unverified and likely inaccurate. For now, interested buyers must wait for official announcements, expected in 2026 or later, as companies focus on industrial deployments.
To stay updated on pre-order opportunities, monitor company websites or join AI robotics communities for real-time news.
Expert Insights: What the Industry Says
Robotics experts offer a mix of optimism and skepticism. George Chowdhury from ABI Research questions the feasibility of Tesla’s responsive AI, suggesting that current demos overstate Optimus’s capabilities. Meanwhile, Animesh Garg from Georgia Tech sees Tesla’s timeline as “aggressive yet realistic” for basic task execution. Chris Walti, Tesla’s former Optimus lead, argues that humanoid robots may not be ideal for factory work compared to specialized robotics, highlighting the need for clear use cases. These insights underscore the balance between innovation and practical execution in the robotics industry.
The Future of Humanoid Robots
The journey to consumer-ready humanoid robots is fraught with challenges, but the potential is immense. From assisting in factories to helping with household chores, robots like Tesla’s Optimus and Figure 02 could redefine how we live and work. While Are Tesla Robots Available for Purchase remains a question without a definitive answer, 2026 appears to be a pivotal year for industrial availability, with consumer access likely following in 2027 or beyond. As technology advances, staying informed will be key to understanding When Will Robots Be Available for Purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When Will Robots Be Available for Purchase?
Advanced humanoid robots like Tesla’s Optimus and Figure 02 are expected to be available for industrial use in 2026, with consumer availability potentially starting in 2027. Timelines may shift based on R&D progress.
2. Are Tesla Robots Available for Purchase Now?
No, Tesla’s Optimus is not available for purchase yet. Limited production for internal use is planned for 2025, with external sales targeted for 2026.
3. How Much Will Tesla’s Optimus Cost?
Elon Musk estimates Optimus could cost under $20,000 in the long term, with initial models likely priced between $20,000 and $30,000.
4. What Are the Main Challenges for Humanoid Robots?
Key challenges include achieving full autonomy, securing rare earth materials, ensuring safety, and reducing costs through mass production.
