Tesla's Optimus faces new competition as OpenAI launches Robotics division and Nvidia partners with Unitree on humanoid robots

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced the launch of a dedicated OpenAI Robotics division over the weekend, with the company hiring engineers to develop hardware, controls, systems, and machine-learning models for robots. Nvidia separately announced a partnership with Chinese robotics firm Unitree to integrate its H2 humanoid robots with Nvidia's Jetson Thor computing module and Isaac GR00T platform.

Tesla's Optimus is slated to enter production this year. CEO Elon Musk said in April that the company expects to reveal the production version (Gen 3) closer to production in the July-August timeframe, and that it is "literally impossible to predict" the production rate owing to the new nature of the product and supply chain intricacies.

Tesla Inc. (TSLA) stock fell sharply on Monday, closing down nearly 5%, as investors reacted to fresh competitive threats in the humanoid robotics sector. On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around TSLA stayed within 'bearish' territory over the past 24 hours. TSLA stock has gained 21% over the past 12 months.

Musk envisions Optimus as a general-purpose humanoid robot priced between $20,000 and $30,000, initially deployed inside Tesla factories and ultimately intended to become an affordable personal household robot for tasks such as chores, elderly care, and household work.