Tesla Optimus Production Rumors Fuel Speculation and Surge Supplier's Stock

Rumors circulating in Chinese media have ignited speculation that Tesla is preparing to mass-produce its Optimus humanoid robot. The reports allege that Tesla has placed a substantial order for robotic components with a Chinese supplier, leading to a significant surge in the supplier's stock value, though neither company has officially confirmed the deal.

A Potential Order of Scale

According to multiple media reports, Chinese component manufacturer Sanhua Intelligent Controls is the recipient of a rumored $685 million (5 billion RMB) order from Tesla for linear actuators. These components are critical for robotic movement and are believed to be intended for the Optimus robot.

The rumored timeline suggests deliveries would begin in the first quarter of 2026. Based on the sheer size of the alleged order, industry observers have estimated it could supply parts for approximately 180,000 Optimus units. If true, this would represent a significant step beyond prototyping and into mass production for Tesla's robotics division.

Market Excitement Meets Corporate Silence

The news, though unverified, had an immediate impact on the market. Sanhua Intelligent Controls' A-shares surged, hitting the daily 10% trading limit following the reports.

Despite the market's enthusiasm, both companies have remained guarded. A Tesla China representative reportedly stated that there was "no official information about this order that could be disseminated externally". Similarly, a representative from Sanhua noted that while the company's robotics business is "progressing smoothly," they could not comment on market rumors. A separate statement from Sanhua's securities department indicated the company was "urgently verifying" the information and would issue a formal clarification if the news proved to be untrue.

Context and Implications

The speculation is bolstered by the fact that Sanhua is already an established supplier for Tesla's electric vehicle business, providing the automaker with other components. A large-scale order for actuators would suggest that Tesla has overcome significant design and engineering challenges, potentially finalizing the design for what is expected to be the mass-produced "Optimus V3" model.

This development follows an earlier report from The Information which alleged that Tesla was facing challenges with the robot's hands, causing the company to scale back its initial production goals for 2025. If Tesla is now ordering key components in bulk, it could indicate that those earlier hurdles have been cleared.

The rumors align with anecdotal reports of an intense focus on the humanoid robot project within Tesla. On a recent episode of the "Dumb Money" podcast, investor Chris Camillo shared intel suggesting that CEO Elon Musk is "maniacally focused on Optimus". Camillo's sources claimed the Optimus team is working extended hours, up to 16 hours a day and seven days a week, with Musk himself heavily involved and even sleeping at the office to oversee progress.

For now, the industry is left to parse rumors and non-committal statements. Without official confirmation from Tesla or Sanhua, the $685 million order remains speculative. However, the market's strong reaction and the surrounding context suggest that many are watching closely for the moment Tesla's humanoid robot transitions from a research project into a commercial product.