By sharing a video of Optimus learning Kung Fu with AI alone, Elon Musk alludes to a time when robots may account for the majority of Tesla's value.

Among Tesla's most ambitious projects outside of electric vehicles (EVs) is the Optimus robot. Optimus has gotten better at balance and coordination over time. Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently posted a video of the robot apparently learning Kung Fu without any help from humans.

Building on this progress, Musk uploaded a 36-second video to X showing Tesla Optimus standing next to a Kung Fu instructor. Before getting ready for a friendly spar, the two greet each other, and Optimus asks the trainer to start the fight.

Optimus matches the trainer's every move in the resulting practice duel, showcasing remarkable agility and balance. The robot takes a resting place next to the trainer after the friendly competition.

Following the video's release, X users questioned whether Optimus' movements were controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) or by human telemanaging. Tele-operation involves remotely controlling the robot. Musk responded that no humans were involved—Tesla Optimus mastered Kung Fu exclusively through AI.

Tesla Optimus has so far mainly relied on human assistance to complete some tasks. When the robot was serving popcorn at the Tesla Diner, it was recently discovered that it was being tele-operated. Optimus, however, now appears to be able to pick up new movements using AI alone. The robot can perform the necessary processing in this situation without the assistance of outside inputs.

According to Elon Musk's August statement, the Tesla Optimus can pick up new motions just by watching people. The business claims that by merely observing examples, including YouTube videos, Optimus has picked up skills like vacuuming and item sorting.

Elon Musk stated last month that in the future, Optimus will account for 80 percent of Tesla's value. In 2025, the tech billionaire aimed to produce 5,000 Optimus robots.