Tesla’s Vice President of AI Software, Ashok Elluswamy, has given a rare interview, speaking with Indian YouTuber Gobinath, Elluswamy covered a wide range of topics, including the integration of AI in electric vehicles, the future of Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) program, and behind-the-scenes stories of developing the Optimus humanoid robot.
Elluswamy, a robotics engineer by training, has been with Tesla for nearly a decade and currently oversees the company’s AI software, including its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) programs. He was the first engineer hired for Tesla’s Autopilot team in 2014, marking the beginning of his now pivotal role in the company’s autonomous technology efforts.
During the podcast, Elluswamy reflected on his career path, from his early days in India, to leading one of the most critical divisions at Tesla. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the College of Engineering Guindy, Chennai, and a master’s degree in Robotics System Development from Carnegie Mellon University, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Before joining Tesla, Elluswamy gained experience at Volkswagen’s Electronic Research Lab and WABCO Vehicle Control Systems, focusing on computer vision, perception, and control systems.
During the 50-minute interview with YouTuber Gobinath, Elluswamy described Musk as a highly driven leader with an intense work ethic, sharp technical instincts, and a surprising sense of humor.
“I meet with him every week. He works easily 80 to 90 hours per week. He’s really smart—he can predict the future very early and is not afraid of taking risks,” Elluswamy shared. “He’s very funny. You can see it in person.”
The interview also touched on broader topics, including the future of AI in education, mobility, and robotics, as well as exclusive insights into Tesla’s humanoid robot program, Optimus. Elluswamy discussed how Tesla is integrating AI more deeply into its vehicles and products, hinting at future advancements in AI-driven robotics and autonomous technology.
You can watch the full interview below. Be sure to turn on Closed Captioning (CC) to get an English translation.
