Tesla's humanoid robot could replace two humans at $25/hour each, saving $200k per robot.

Tesla's humanoid robot could replace two humans at $25/hour each, saving $200k per robot.

Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus, has garnered significant attention for its potential to revolutionize labor efficiency. According to a Morgan Stanley report [1], a single humanoid robot costing $5 per hour could match the productivity of two human workers earning $25 per hour, creating an economic value of roughly $200,000 per unit over its working life. This estimate suggests that Optimus could save approximately $200,000 per robot compared to employing two humans at the same rate.

The bank’s analysts see cost and safety as the key drivers of adoption for AI-enabled machines, echoing historical patterns with other transformative technologies. The proliferation of humanoid and other robotic systems will follow the same rules that governed the adoption of the wheel, electricity, and the internet [1].

Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, believes that Optimus could be worth over $10 trillion, surpassing the iPhone in market impact [2]. The robot, powered by the same AI brain and Full Self-Driving (FSD) tech that runs Tesla's autonomous vehicles, can walk, talk, lift, carry, assemble, cook, clean, and learn. Musk envisions Optimus as a labor-disrupting, economy-transforming force, capable of performing a wide range of tasks from warehouses to elder care.

The potential impact of Optimus extends beyond cost savings. Morgan Stanley analysts also highlighted potential cost efficiencies in transport, suggesting that a robot-shaped car could cut the cost per mile of a ride-share vehicle to less than $0.20, about one-tenth that of a human-driven equivalent [1]. Additionally, an autonomous electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft could generate the same revenue as 15 ride-share vehicles.

Last month, Tesla signed a $16.5 billion agreement to source chips from Samsung Electronics [3]. The next-generation AI6 chips are intended for self-driving vehicles and the Optimus humanoid robot, and could support wider AI uses. While the deal may aid Samsung’s struggling contract chip business, it is not expected to speed Tesla’s EV sales or robotaxi rollout.

In conclusion, Tesla's humanoid robot Optimus presents a significant opportunity for labor efficiency and cost savings. The potential market value and impact of this technology are substantial, with implications for various industries and sectors. As the technology evolves, investors and financial professionals should closely monitor the developments and assess the potential investment opportunities.

References:
[1] https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/1-humanoid-robot-at-5hour-can-do-the-work-of-2-humans-at-25hour-ms-4180688
[2] https://investorplace.com/hypergrowthinvesting/2025/08/musks-magnum-opus-the-most-impactful-launch-of-our-lifetime/
[3] https://www.mk.co.kr/en/business/11389328