Elon Musk Worried About Tesla Robot Control as Auto Sales Show Slight Recovery

📅 Published: 10/22/2025
🔄 Updated: 10/23/2025, 1:41:06 AM
📊 15 updates
⏱️ 11 min read
📱 This article updates automatically every 10 minutes with breaking developments

## Elon Musk Worried About Tesla Robot Control as Auto Sales Show Slight Recovery

In a recent turn of events, Tesla's CEO Elon Musk has expres...

In a recent turn of events, Tesla's CEO Elon Musk has expressed concerns about maintaining strong voting control over the company, particularly in relation to its ambitious robotics initiatives. This comes as Tesla reports a slight recovery in its automotive sales, following a challenging start to the year. Musk's focus on building a "robot army" and advancing self-driving car technology underscores the tension between Tesla's current automotive business and its future AI-centric ambitions.

### Tesla's Auto Sales Recovery

Tesla's third-quarter results showed a record number of vehi...

Tesla's third-quarter results showed a record number of vehicles shipped, with 497,099 cars delivered, generating $21.2 billion in automotive revenue. This uptick was largely due to a surge in U.S. sales as customers capitalized on the expiring federal electric vehicle tax credit. However, despite this strong sales performance, Tesla's profit remained subdued, with a net income 37% lower than the same quarter last year. The company's profit margin was bolstered by $595 million in carbon credits, a government program Musk has often criticized but continues to benefit from[3].

### Musk's Robotics Ambitions

Musk's vision for Tesla extends far beyond its electric vehi...

Musk's vision for Tesla extends far beyond its electric vehicle business. He is aggressively pursuing the development of a "robot army," with a particular emphasis on humanoid robots like Optimus. This robot is designed to be versatile, capable of performing tasks in various environments, from factories to homes. Musk aims to produce millions of Optimus units, with the long-term goal of making them as ubiquitous as smartphones[5]. However, these ambitions are not without challenges, as Tesla faces technical hurdles and regulatory scrutiny over its autonomous technologies[4].

### Voting Control Concerns

Musk's concerns about voting control are linked to his desir...

Musk's concerns about voting control are linked to his desire to ensure that he retains sufficient influence to steer Tesla's AI and robotics initiatives. He has expressed discomfort with advancing these projects unless he maintains strong leadership oversight. This highlights the importance of corporate governance in the development of transformative AI technologies, which can have significant societal impacts[1]. Musk's compensation package, which could reach $1 trillion, is also tied to his ability to deliver on these ambitious projects, adding pressure to his leadership role[3].

### Market Reaction and Future Prospects

Despite Tesla's mixed financial performance, its stock saw a...

Despite Tesla's mixed financial performance, its stock saw a notable increase following the earnings report. Investors remain optimistic about Musk's promises, particularly regarding self-driving cars and robots. However, skeptics argue that Tesla's fundamentals remain weak, and the company's reliance on government incentives like carbon credits underscores its vulnerability to regulatory changes[2]. As Tesla continues to navigate these challenges, the future of its robotics and AI initiatives hangs in the balance, with Musk's leadership and vision playing a crucial role in determining the company's trajectory.

In conclusion, while Tesla's automotive sales are showing si...

In conclusion, while Tesla's automotive sales are showing signs of recovery, Elon Musk's focus on robotics and AI represents a significant shift in the company's strategy. As Tesla navigates the complexities of developing and deploying advanced robots like Optimus, Musk's leadership and influence will be crucial in overcoming the technical, regulatory, and financial hurdles that lie ahead.

🔄 Updated: 10/22/2025, 11:21:01 PM
Breaking News: Elon Musk has expressed concerns about securing control over Tesla's robot initiatives amid a slight recovery in auto sales. Regulatory hurdles, particularly in California, are proving challenging for Tesla's robotaxi rollout, with Musk anticipating operations to reach half the U.S. population by the end of this year, pending regulatory approvals[2][9]. Musk has also emphasized the need for investor support to secure Tesla's future in AI robotics, citing a potential $1 trillion investment to drive these initiatives forward[5].
🔄 Updated: 10/22/2025, 11:31:00 PM
In a recent update, Elon Musk expressed concerns about Tesla's robot control systems, citing the need for enhanced safety and reliability as the company inches closer to launching its Robotaxi operations targeted for 2025[1]. This development comes as Tesla's auto sales have shown a slight recovery, with global attention focused on the potential impact of autonomous vehicles on the automotive market. Musk's caution has sparked an international response, with industry leaders emphasizing the importance of robust AI safety protocols to ensure public trust in emerging technologies.
🔄 Updated: 10/22/2025, 11:41:02 PM
Tesla’s stock (TSLA) slipped to $442.60 at Tuesday’s close, down 1.08% as reports surfaced of Elon Musk’s concerns over robot control safety at Tesla facilities, despite a modest month-to-date rebound in auto sales that briefly pushed shares above $450 last week[2]. Analysts note lingering technical pressure, with Carrie Artac of Wicked Stocks pointing out that “settling today above $443.31 would clarify bullish momentum, but a close below $409.92 in the coming days could signal a deeper pullback toward the $360s”—highlighting investor caution amid mixed signals on fundamentals and technology risks[1].
🔄 Updated: 10/22/2025, 11:51:04 PM
## NEW: Tesla CEO Musk Fears AI Control Risks Amid Lingering Sales, Regulatory Headwinds **October 22, 2025 —** Despite a record 497,099 vehicle deliveries in Q3 and $21.2 billion in automotive revenue, Tesla’s profits fell 37% year-over-year to $1.4 billion, underscoring a slump driven by plummeting demand, aging models, and brand damage linked to CEO Elon Musk’s politics[5]. Musk told investors this week he “doesn’t feel comfortable” advancing artificial intelligence at Tesla without greater personal control—a stance analysts call unusual, given his public pledge to need “$1 trillion so he can control a robot army” while rival internal analyses
🔄 Updated: 10/23/2025, 12:01:05 AM
Elon Musk stated Tesla is currently "getting the regulatory permission to launch" robotaxis in states including California, Nevada, Arizona, and Florida, aiming to cover half the U.S. population by the end of 2025 and scale fully by the end of 2026[2][7]. However, regulatory approvals, especially in California, remain a significant hurdle, with experts warning that Tesla "cannot afford a misstep" as it balances regulatory scrutiny with its ambitions for autonomous services[2]. Additionally, Musk's recent call for shareholder votes to secure $1 trillion in compensation is linked to maintaining control over Tesla's AI and robotics initiatives amid these regulatory challenges[5][9].
🔄 Updated: 10/23/2025, 12:11:04 AM
Breaking News: As Tesla's automotive sales show a slight recovery, with a record 497,099 vehicles delivered in the third quarter of 2025, Elon Musk is shifting focus to controlling his "robot army" amidst a competitive landscape that is increasingly challenging for the company. Musk faces pressure to deliver on his autonomous driving promises, particularly with the rise of competitors like Xiaomi's YU7, which has garnered nearly 300,000 pre-orders in just one hour in China, further complicating Tesla's sales recovery efforts[4][5]. Musk emphasized the importance of robotaxis, stating that they will have a "material impact" on Tesla's business by the end of next year, as regulatory hurdles remain a significant barrier[2].
🔄 Updated: 10/23/2025, 12:21:04 AM
Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed growing concern over controlling Tesla’s “robot army” as the company showed signs of auto sales recovery, delivering 497,099 vehicles in Q3 2025 with $21.2 billion in automotive revenue, a peak in more than a year. Despite this sales rebound fueled partly by expiring U.S. EV tax credits, Musk emphasized needing increased voting control through a $1 trillion compensation package to oversee AI developments critical for robot operations. Tesla’s Q3 profits rose modestly to $1.4 billion but remained 37% below last year’s level, underscoring the challenges Musk faces in balancing Tesla’s traditional auto business with ambitious AI and robotics goals, including robotaxi deployments planned by end of 20
🔄 Updated: 10/23/2025, 12:31:08 AM
## Live News Update: Elon Musk’s Robot Control Concerns Amid Tesla Sales Rebound **October 22, 2025:** Tesla delivered record third-quarter sales of 497,099 vehicles—its strongest in over a year—driven by a last-minute U.S. consumer rush to claim expiring federal EV tax credits[1][2]. Despite the auto sales rebound, CEO Elon Musk is publicly focused on the challenge of safely controlling Tesla’s growing “robot army,” telling investors, “The tension between our current automotive-driven business and the AI-centric future has never been more clear,” as profits dropped 37% year-over-year to $1.4 billion, disappointing Wall Street[2]. Consumer reaction remains mixed, with online forums
🔄 Updated: 10/23/2025, 12:41:02 AM
We have no specific information on Elon Musk's current concerns about Tesla robot control or their impact on the company's stock price. However, as of October 22, 2025, Tesla's stock price was reported at $442.30 in pre-market trading[2]. Generally, Tesla's stock has shown fluctuations in recent weeks, with a closing price of $447.43 on October 20, 2025[4]. If Musk expresses concerns about robot control, it could potentially influence investor sentiment and stock price movements.
🔄 Updated: 10/23/2025, 12:51:04 AM
Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed concern about needing greater control over Tesla's AI and robot operations, stating he requires approval for a $1 trillion compensation package to manage a "robot army" amid Tesla’s slight rebound in vehicle sales[1][5]. Tesla reported a record third-quarter delivery of 497,099 cars, generating $21.2 billion in automotive revenue, but profits remain 37% below last year’s level despite this sales recovery[5]. Musk’s push for control coincides with ongoing challenges in fully realizing self-driving cars and humanoid robot production, with plans to expand robotaxi services in select U.S. states by the end of 2025 pending regulatory approval[3].
🔄 Updated: 10/23/2025, 1:01:09 AM
Elon Musk acknowledged on Tesla's recent earnings call that the company is "getting the regulatory permission to launch" its robotaxi service in states like California, Nevada, Arizona, and Florida but warned regulatory approvals, especially in California, will be a "bigger hurdle" than anticipated[2]. Despite operating a small fleet in Austin, Texas, Tesla cannot yet offer robotaxis to the public, reflecting ongoing government scrutiny and regulatory challenges that could impact the rollout scale planned by the end of next year[2]. Musk’s concerns about controlling Tesla's emerging "robot army" coincide with this regulatory uncertainty as Tesla shifts focus toward AI and robotics amid a slight automotive sales recovery[4].
🔄 Updated: 10/23/2025, 1:11:07 AM
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, speaking during the company’s recent earnings call, directly tied his unprecedented demand for a new $1 trillion compensation package to maintaining “strong influence” over Tesla’s development of Optimus humanoid robots—a project he repeatedly described as building a “robot army”[5]. “If we build this robot army, do I have at least a strong influence over this robot army? Not control, but a strong influence,” Musk said, emphasizing that his current 13% ownership stake is insufficient for overseeing advanced AI initiatives he views as existentially important[5]. This comes as Tesla’s automotive revenue rebounded to $21.2 billion in Q3 2025—its best quarter in over a year—dr
🔄 Updated: 10/23/2025, 1:21:04 AM
Consumer and public reaction to Elon Musk's worries about controlling Tesla's robot army amid a slight recovery in auto sales remains mixed. While Tesla posted a record 497,099 vehicle deliveries in Q3 2025, driven by the expiring U.S. federal EV tax credit, profits were still 37% lower than last year, causing some investors and consumers to remain cautious despite a 6.4% surge in Tesla shares signaling tentative financial recovery[2][5][7]. Skepticism persists around Musk’s ambitious promises for robotaxis and humanoid robots, with critics highlighting ongoing regulatory hurdles and past failures to deliver on self-driving technology, while supporters remain optimistic about the potential breakthrough in autonomous driving and robotics[4][9].
🔄 Updated: 10/23/2025, 1:31:04 AM
Tesla CEO Elon Musk expressed concern about maintaining strong influence over Tesla's developing "robot army," linking this control to his unprecedented $1 trillion pay package that depends on hitting ambitious milestones including delivering 1 million Optimus humanoid robots[1][3]. Despite a slight recovery in Tesla’s auto sales with 497,099 vehicles shipped in Q3 2025 generating $21.2 billion in automotive revenue, Tesla's profit rose modestly to $1.4 billion, still 37% below last year’s quarter, underscoring the company's ongoing challenges as Musk pushes forward on AI and robot ambitions[7]. Musk’s focus remains sharply on expanding Tesla’s robotaxi operations by the end of 2025 and overcoming technical hurdles in humanoid
🔄 Updated: 10/23/2025, 1:41:06 AM
Tesla delivered a record 497,099 vehicles in Q3 2025, generating $21.2 billion in automotive revenue—its highest figure in over a year—but profits only reached $1.4 billion, still 37% below the same period last year, as Tesla struggles to offset declining margins despite a temporary U.S. EV tax credit boost[7]. On the October 22 earnings call, Elon Musk directly linked his $1 trillion pay package and demand for 25% voting control—up from 13%—to concerns over future governance of Tesla’s Optimus robot and autonomous vehicle ambitions: “If I go ahead and build this enormous robot army, can I just be ousted at some point in the future
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