Could a Robot Fold Your Kids' Laundry by 2027? What LA Families Should Know About Tesla's Optimus
Tesla's Optimus robot could one day carry in the groceries, fold a mountain of laundry and tidy up after a busy school week, but families can't buy or rent one yet. Tesla hasn't opened preorders, but Elon Musk aims to start selling Optimus to the public by the end of 2027.
So what will a family robot actually cost, what could it really do around the house, and where can your kids see one in person right here in LA? Here's what parents should know, from the price picture and the 2027 timeline to the Hollywood diner where Optimus sometimes shows up for a shift.
Key Takeaways
What: Optimus is Tesla's general-purpose humanoid robot, about 5 feet 8 inches tall and 125 pounds, built for repetitive, boring or dangerous tasks.
Can You Buy One? Not yet. There's no preorder, waitlist or deposit program, and Tesla hasn't published a price.
When: Musk's target for public sales is the end of 2027, and only if the robot is reliable and safe enough. Business customers are expected to come first.
Price: TBA. Musk's long-term estimate is roughly $20,000 to $30,000 once production is at scale.
Renting: No rental, lease or subscription plan has been announced.
See One in LA: Optimus makes appearances on select days at the Tesla Diner on Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood.
What Is Tesla's Optimus Robot?
Optimus is a walking, talking humanoid robot that Tesla first announced in 2021. It's roughly the size of an adult, with two arms, two legs and hands designed to grip everyday objects, and it runs on the same kind of AI that Tesla uses for its self-driving cars.
Right now Optimus mostly works inside Tesla's own factories, learning jobs like moving parts and sorting batteries. Tesla is installing Optimus production lines at its Fremont factory, and a brand-new third-generation version is expected to be unveiled closer to the start of mass production.
Fun fact for kids: Optimus gets its name from Optimus Prime, the leader of the Transformers. Just don't expect this one to turn into a truck.
How Much Will the Tesla Optimus Robot Cost?
Buying an Optimus
Tesla hasn't released an official price. The number you'll hear most often comes from Musk himself, who said at Tesla's 2024 "We, Robot" event in Burbank that he expects Optimus to cost about $20,000 to $30,000 in the long run, or "less than a car." He has also said the final selling price will depend on demand.
Keep in mind that long-term target assumes Tesla is building robots by the millions. Many industry watchers expect the very first units to cost more than that before production ramps up.
Renting or Leasing an Optimus
There's no way to rent, lease or subscribe to an Optimus today, and Tesla hasn't announced any rental pricing. You may see websites estimating monthly lease payments, but those numbers are guesses, not Tesla prices.
Parent Tip: Because Optimus is such a hot topic, scam sites have popped up offering "preorders" and "reservations." Tesla isn't taking deposits for Optimus, so never send money to reserve one. When real orders open, you'll find them on Tesla's official website.
When Can Families Actually Get One?
In January 2026, Musk said at the World Economic Forum in Davos that he expects humanoid robots to be sold to the public by the end of 2027, as long as reliability and safety are very high. That's a goal, not a confirmed launch date, so those social media posts saying Optimus "officially goes on sale in 2027" are getting a little ahead of things.
Tesla's timelines for Optimus have slipped before, including the reveal of its newest version. The best way to stay current is to follow Tesla's quarterly updates and the official Tesla Optimus account on X. Businesses and factories are expected to get robots before households do.
How Could Optimus Help Busy Families?
Tesla's big promise is that Optimus will take on the jobs nobody wants to do. If home robots get there, here's where a family might feel the difference:
Everyday Chores: Tesla has shown Optimus folding a shirt and handling delicate objects like eggs. Picture a helper that tackles laundry, loads the dishwasher or puts toys back in the bin.
Heavy Lifting: Optimus was designed to carry about 45 pounds, which could mean help with grocery hauls, laundry baskets and moving furniture, especially for parents juggling a baby or grandparents living at home.
More Family Time: Less time spent on repetitive chores could mean more evenings at the park, more board games and more weekend adventures.
A Real-Life STEM Lesson: Even before a robot lands in anyone's living room, Optimus is a great way to spark kids' interest in robotics, AI, engineering and coding.
A Reality Check for Parents
Musk has suggested robots like Optimus could someday help watch the kids, but even enthusiastic experts say safe childcare is one of the hardest jobs a robot could take on. Kids are fast, unpredictable and curious, so a robot should never replace adult supervision.
Parent Tip: If your family ever brings home a robot, treat it like any other smart device. Ask what its cameras and microphones record, where that data goes and how to turn features off. Then set clear house rules, just like you would for a tablet or a smart speaker.
Where Can LA Kids See the Optimus Robot in Person?
You don't have to wait until 2027 to meet Optimus. LA families have a front-row seat, because Tesla's retro-futuristic diner in Hollywood has become a real-world testing ground for the robot.
Since the diner opened in July 2025, Optimus has served popcorn, posed for photos and even delivered food on special days. It isn't there every day, so plan your visit around an announced appearance.
7001 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
This flying-saucer-style diner pairs a classic American menu with two giant outdoor movie screens and a huge Supercharger lot. Kids can order from a kids' menu that includes a burger, grilled cheese and chicken tenders, and meals can arrive in Cybertruck-shaped boxes. When Optimus is on duty, kids can watch it scoop popcorn, wave and pose for pictures. All ages are welcome; please check the website for current menu prices and parking.
Parent Tip: Optimus appearances are usually announced a day or two ahead on Tesla North America's X account and the Tesla Optimus account. Past appearances have run from late morning until sunset, and crowds can be big, so arrive early for the shortest wait.
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Takeaway
A robot that folds the laundry and carries in the groceries sounds like something out of a cartoon, but Tesla is working hard to make Optimus real. For now, there's no price, no preorder and no rental plan, and the end of 2027 is a goal rather than a guarantee.
In the meantime, the best way to meet Optimus is to keep an eye on Tesla's announcements and plan a Hollywood diner outing on an appearance day. Your kids may be seeing the future of household help up close.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Tesla Optimus robot cost?
Tesla hasn't announced an official price. Elon Musk has said he expects Optimus to cost about $20,000 to $30,000 in the long term once Tesla builds robots at very high volume, and that demand will shape the final price. Early units could cost more before production scales up.
Can I buy or rent a Tesla Optimus robot right now?
No. Tesla isn't selling, renting or leasing Optimus to the public, and there's no preorder, waitlist or deposit program. Any website asking for a deposit isn't Tesla. When orders open, they'll be listed on Tesla's official website, so check there for the latest information.
When will Tesla Optimus be available for home use?
Elon Musk said in January 2026 that he expects humanoid robots to be sold to the public by the end of 2027, provided they're very reliable and safe. That's a target, not a confirmed date. Business customers are expected to get Optimus before households.
What can the Tesla Optimus robot do?
Optimus is designed for repetitive, boring or dangerous tasks. Tesla has shown it walking, sorting objects, handling eggs, folding a shirt and serving popcorn. Right now it mainly works in Tesla factories, and household chores are part of the long-term plan rather than something it does in homes today.
Where can I see the Tesla Optimus robot in Los Angeles?
Optimus makes appearances on select days at the Tesla Diner, 7001 Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood, where it has served popcorn and posed for photos. Appearances are announced on Tesla's X accounts, so check before you go. Arrive early, since appearance days draw big crowds.
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