# Tesla begins Optimus robot production in California as profit drops 43%

Tesla has started producing its Optimus humanoid robot in California while reporting a 43% decline in profit. The move signals Tesla’s push into robotics amid pressure on its core automotive business. Optimus is central to Tesla’s long-term bets beyond electric vehicles.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### Technology
- [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/21/tesla-stars-optimus-robot-production-in-california-as-profit-falls-43/) — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 20:33:09 +0000
- [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/tech/1016492/tesla-optimus-robots-production-musk-q3-earnings) — 2026-10-22T08:53:27-04:00