The departure of Milan Kovac, head of Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot program, marks a significant shift in the company’s ambitious robotics strategy. Announced on June 7, 2025, Kovac’s exit has raised questions about the future of Tesla’s plans to deploy thousands of Optimus robots in factories worldwide.
- Milan Kovac leaves Tesla's Optimus program.
- Decision motivated by family time abroad.
- Kovac's support for Musk remains strong.
- Tesla aims for thousands of Optimus robots.
- Ashok Elluswamy to lead Optimus project.
- Kovac worked nearly 10 years at Tesla.
Kovac, who has been with Tesla for nearly a decade, cited personal reasons for his decision, emphasizing his need to spend more time with family abroad. He expressed unwavering support for Elon Musk and the company, stating that this was the only reason for his departure. As Tesla aims to scale up its Optimus production rapidly, this leadership change could impact the pace of development.
This leadership shakeup prompts a critical question: How will Tesla maintain its aggressive timeline for Optimus? With Kovac’s extensive experience in autonomous systems, his absence may challenge the company’s goal of producing millions of units annually. Global stakeholders should consider these implications:
- The impact on Tesla’s innovation trajectory in robotics.
- Potential delays in the rollout of Optimus robots across factories.
- Investor sentiment regarding leadership stability and project viability.
- Market competition as other tech firms advance their own robotics initiatives.
As Tesla forges ahead, the global tech community will be watching closely. Will the new leadership under Ashok Elluswamy keep the momentum going for Optimus? The next few months will be crucial for determining the future of Tesla’s robotics vision.
