Setback for Optimus Bot: Head of the robotics division leaves Tesla
Milan Kovac, head of development of the humanoid robot Optimus at Tesla, is leaving the company unexpectedly. His departure could have a negative impact.
(Image: Tesla (Screenshot))
Tesla's robotics development division around the humanoid robot Optimus Bot is likely to have a harder time in the future. The previous head of the humanoid robot department, Milan Kovac, is leaving the company. Kovac has been Director of the Optimus program since 2022 and was also Head of Autopilot Engineering for Robotaxis at Tesla. Kovac, who also serves as Vice President, announced his departure on X on Friday.
Kovac cites personal reasons for his decision. There is only one reason why he is leaving Tesla: The separation from his family is taking its toll on Kovac. "I've been away from home for too long and need to spend more time with my family abroad. I would like to make it clear that this is the only reason," Kovac writes on X in a detailed statement.
Kovac will resign from his position immediately. According to rumors, Ashok Elluswamy, who heads the Autopilot project at Tesla, will take his place. A statement from Tesla and Tesla CEO Elon Musk is still pending.
However, Kovac's departure is likely to shake up Tesla's plans for its humanoid robot Optimus Bot and possibly even disrupt them. Kovac is considered the driving force behind the Optimus project.
Setbacks for the Optimus project
Musk recently announced that thousands of humanoid Optimus robots would be built by 2025 to be used by Tesla and later offered to other companies for production. This plan had already received a setback in April. China had tightened export restrictions on rare earths to the USA, meaning that this important raw material is not available for the production of the Optimus Bot. Tesla had to look for other sources.
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The departure of Kovac now represents a further setback for Tesla and could also have an impact on future development. Tesla has long since shifted its focus to robots and its robo-taxis. The company's valuation depends heavily on these two areas. Musk has repeatedly emphasized that the humanoid robot Optimus represents the future of the company, but at the same time the Tesla boss is facing increasing competition in the field of humanoid robots from China.
(olb)
