‘Optimus chain’: Chinese suppliers form the backbone of Tesla’s humanoid robot initiative
Tesla plans to manufacture its Optimus robot in the US, but the initiative relies heavily on Chinese suppliers. As early as three years ago, Tesla began sourcing components from hundreds of Chinese companies, collaborating on research, development, and design.
The story so far
- Jan 28
- Jan 29
- Feb 1
How outlets cover it
2 outletsNot rated on the left–right scale. It describes Western party politics and doesn’t fit state media or outlets outside that system, so we show ownership and country instead.
Open questions and key claims
Tesla would discontinue production of its Model X SUV and Model S full-size sedan.
Tesla reported total revenues of US$94.8 billion for 2025, down by 3 per cent compared with the previous year.
Tesla’s automotive production declined 7 per cent and total deliveries fell 9 per cent in 2025 from a year earlier.
Tesla would start winding down production of its Model S and Model X electric cars from next quarter.
Tesla reported fourth quarter earnings per share of $0.50, exceeding the $0.45 that Wall Street expected.
The company’s total automotive revenues dropped 11% year-over-year in 2025.
Who and where
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