Tesla Disassembles Model S/X Production Line in Fremont for Optimus Robot Manufacturing

Tesla has finished dismantling the production lines for its Model S and Model X vehicles at its Fremont factory in California, according to video released by the company. The entire demolition process took 46 days and involved removing concrete foundations, robotic arms, and conveyor equipment to make way for new manufacturing capabilities.

The disassembly signifies the end of an era for the two flagship electric vehicle models. Production of the Model S and Model X ceased in early May, following design-order cutoffs in April. Tesla CEO Elon Musk had previously stated on an earnings call that the models would receive an "honorable discharge" by the end of the second quarter of 2026.

The repurposed factory space is intended for the mass production of Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot. This strategic shift indicates Tesla's increasing focus on artificial intelligence and robotics, moving beyond its automotive roots. The Optimus robot is designed to perform repetitive and dangerous tasks in industrial settings, leveraging Tesla's expertise in AI and neural networks.

Tesla reports that small-scale production of the third-generation Optimus robot has already begun at the Fremont facility. Mass production is anticipated to launch by late July or early August. The company aims for an annual output of tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of Optimus units by the end of 2026. Plans are also underway for a larger Optimus factory at Gigafactory Texas, with a long-term goal of producing millions of robots annually.