Tesla’s Optimus Robot VP Quits Amid Bold Automation Push

Tesla’s Optimus robot chief exits after 10 years—find out what it means for Elon Musk’s AI vision and Tesla's factory automation goals.
Matilda
Tesla’s Optimus Robot VP Quits Amid Bold Automation Push
Tesla’s Optimus Robot VP Quits: What It Means for the Future of AI and Automation What happens when the leader of Tesla’s humanoid robot project suddenly steps down? That’s exactly what tech followers are asking after Milan Kovac, Tesla’s Vice President overseeing the Optimus humanoid robot , announced his departure. For those wondering why Kovac is leaving Tesla, the reason is personal—he cited a need to spend more time with his family abroad. Yet, the timing raises questions, especially as Tesla CEO Elon Musk ramps up efforts to mass-produce these robots and deploy them across Tesla’s global factories.                                  Image : Google Milan Kovac had been an integral part of Tesla’s AI and robotics strategy for nearly a decade. After serving as a top engineer on the Autopilot team, he took the reins of the Optimus project in 2022 and officially became VP of the program in 2024. His work helped bridge the gap between Tesla’s autonomous driving software and its emerging rob…