Elon Musk revealed that Tesla has been independently developing AI semiconductor and circuit design technologies for several years, and is currently commercializing real-world AI technology faster than anyone else globally.
On the 23rd (local time), Musk stated on X (formerly Twitter), “Tesla has already equipped millions of vehicles and several data centers with AI chips.” He added, “The chips currently in vehicles are the AI4 generation, AI5 is nearing completion, and AI6 development has already begun.”
Musk announced, “We plan to mass-produce a new generation of AI chips every 12 months, and our production speed will exceed the combined output of all other global AI semiconductor companies.” He added confidently, “Read that sentence again. It’s not a joke.”
The AI chips Tesla is developing are expected to enhance the safety of autonomous vehicles and be utilized in various fields through the humanoid robot ‘Optimus,’ such as medical support. Musk emphasized, “This technology will save millions of lives with safer driving and contribute to providing medical services to everyone.”
“AI5 completion is imminent… I personally host meetings weekly.”
Musk also stated, “I am deeply involved in the chip design process,” revealing that he holds direct meetings with the engineering team every Tuesday and Saturday. He explained, “Saturday meetings are short-term, but they won’t be necessary once AI5 is fully taped out.”
There is analysis suggesting that his remarks were also an exhibition of Tesla’s technological prowess to attract talent, as the company is currently hiring a significant number of AI chip architects and hardware engineers.
In 2019, Tesla significantly reduced its reliance on external semiconductors by independently developing a dedicated chip for autonomous driving and applying it to the ‘Full Self-Driving (FSD)’ system. Since then, Tesla has been enhancing AI data processing capabilities around its supercomputer ‘Dojo’ and pursuing the simultaneous development of full autonomous driving technology and robots.
Beyond autonomous driving, AI chips expand to medical and robotics.
Musk foresaw that Tesla’s AI chips would not simply remain vehicle semiconductors. He revealed, “AI technology will ultimately protect human lives and be used to provide medical services through the humanoid robot Optimus.”
Optimus, a humanoid robot Tesla is developing, is expected to be used in various fields such as factory automation and caregiving services. Musk stated, “Tesla’s AI technology is evolving beyond a car company toward improving the lives of humanity.”
If Tesla’s next-generation AI chips are launched annually as planned, the company will establish a unique AI ecosystem encompassing autonomous driving, robotics, and energy systems. Industry sources suggest, “Tesla might threaten NVIDIA even in the AI semiconductor field.”