Tesla’s push into robotics could soon extend to one of its most important manufacturing hubs, with a senior executive hinting that Giga Shanghai may play an integral role in unlocking large-scale production of its humanoid robot, Optimus.
During a media briefing in China this week, Tesla China president and vice president Wang Hao described the Shanghai facility as a potential “golden key” to solving one of the biggest hurdles in robotics—manufacturing at scale. That challenge has been repeatedly highlighted by Elon Musk, who has emphasized that building millions of robots efficiently will be far more difficult than developing the technology itself.
Although Wang did not provide specifics on how the factory would be adapted for robot production—or whether a new facility would be required—he made it clear that Tesla’s existing manufacturing expertise will be critical.
“Like other Tesla factories, Giga Shanghai can shoulder important responsibilities in manufacturing all new products, including robots,” he said.
The significance of these remarks lies in the scale and efficiency Tesla has already achieved in Shanghai. The factory produced roughly 851,000 vehicles in 2025, accounting for more than half of Tesla’s global deliveries. That output, combined with China’s deep supply chain and cost advantages, could give Tesla a meaningful edge as it looks to bring humanoid robots to market.
Tesla’s broader strategy has increasingly shifted beyond electric vehicles (EVs) toward artificial intelligence and robotics. Musk has urged investors to focus less on car sales and more on future businesses like robotaxis and humanoid robots capable of performing everyday tasks—from factory work to assisting the elderly.
That pivot is already beginning to reshape Tesla’s operations. The company recently confirmed plans to wind down production of legacy models like the Model S and Model X at its Fremont facility, with the site expected to transition toward Optimus production instead, highlighting just how serious Tesla is about scaling its robotics program.
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