Expert Raises Doubts About Tesla’s Mars Robots
In an interview with Forbes, robotics expert Christian Hubicki from Florida State University issued a serious warning about Tesla’s Optimus robots. He believes they could quickly fail on Mars, turning into what he called “dead husks.”
Hubicki explained that humanoid robots still struggle to stay balanced even on Earth. They often fall, crash, or break after repeated use. Therefore, deploying them on Mars — a planet filled with extreme cold, dust storms, and radiation — could spell disaster.
According to Hubicki, without major advances in autonomy and durability, these robots might not last long. He predicted they would become piles of metal and plastic, unable to move or fix themselves.
Challenges Ahead for Musk’s Mars Mission
In April 2025, Elon Musk announced plans to send Optimus robots to Mars aboard SpaceX’s Starship by late 2026. The goal is for these robots to prepare the surface for future human explorers.
However, many experts say the technology isn’t ready for such a mission. For example, NASA’s Perseverance rover is still far more capable of handling Mars’ rough terrain and extreme conditions. Humanoid robots, on the other hand, need constant maintenance and reliable power sources — both hard to manage millions of miles from Earth.
As a result, while Musk’s vision is bold, scientists believe it may take years before humanoid robots can truly survive — and work — on the Red Planet.
