Inside Tesla’s closely guarded research facilities, preparations surrounding the next version of its humanoid robot are drawing attention. During CES 2026, entrepreneur and angel investor Jason Calacanis provided rare third-party feedback on the Tesla Optimus V3 after a weekend lab visit. Given the company’s history of positioning itself at the intersection of AI and robotics, these insights spark new conversations about how consumer-focused robots could influence Tesla’s identity. Speculation continues regarding how the company’s direction with Optimus might reshape both Tesla’s brand and the expectations tied to robotics as a whole.
Shortly after the event, public online discussions surrounding the potential impact of Optimus V3 increased noticeably. Earlier news cycles concentrated primarily on updates from Tesla insiders or from CEO Elon Musk himself, often highlighting incremental technical achievements or broad future goals. This perspective differed in that it offered an outsider’s direct reaction rather than official corporate statements or staged demonstrations. Media coverage previously tended to rely on glimpses of the Optimus V2 generation and its potential applications, rather than firsthand exposure to the current prototype.
What did Calacanis See During the Visit?
During his visit to Tesla’s Optimus lab, Calacanis observed dozens of engineers working, even on a Sunday morning. His account underscores the high activity level and focus on the robot’s development, as he described witnessing Optimus V3 up close. With this access, he was able to form an impression unfiltered by corporate messaging. Calacanis’s remarks suggest that development for the upcoming robot is continuing at a steady pace.
Why Are These Third-Party Statements Significant?
Third-party feedback such as Calacanis’s is notable because it provides an external evaluation, adding to the limited information shared by Tesla itself. Most prior reports have relied on statements from Tesla executives or on images of earlier prototypes. This outsider’s perspective allows for comparison with the company’s prior focus on electric vehicles and signals increased transparency as the robot’s development continues. Calacanis emphasized,
“I saw Optimus 3. I can tell you now, nobody will remember that Tesla ever made a car.”
Such statements have stirred discussion in both investment and technology circles, given that Tesla’s core business has been electric vehicles until now.
How Might Optimus V3 Impact Tesla’s Brand?
Calacanis believes that the introduction of Optimus V3 could eventually eclipse Tesla’s identity as primarily an automaker. He stated,
“They will only remember the Optimus and that he is going to make a billion of those.”
This suggests a future scenario where the company’s brand is centered around robotics rather than its original automotive products. While these interpretations reflect individual opinions and should be viewed critically, the evolving narrative highlights possibilities for Tesla as it ventures further into AI automation with products like Optimus.
When analyzing these statements compared to previous years’ coverage, the focus is shifting from incremental hardware demonstrations toward broader speculation about organizational identity and product strategy. External insight—particularly from technology investors—can sometimes spark debate or exaggerate expectations. Nonetheless, Calacanis’s account may reflect ongoing enthusiasm within segments of the tech community for humanoid robotics and its potential day-to-day applications. Readers interested in robotics trends might consider both the speed of development and the company’s broader ambitions when evaluating Tesla’s Optimus line. Companies pursuing human-assistive robots must balance engineering challenges with clear, realistic communication to earn public trust and interest.
