Tesla has initiated a new round of factory audits for its Optimus humanoid robot supply chain in China's Yangtze River Delta region. The inspections, which began last week, cover companies in Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Ningbo, including Tuopu Group, Sanhua Intelligent Controls, and Joyson Electronics.
These suppliers are already providing core electromechanical components for the robot, such as joint modules, actuators, and structural parts. According to industry reports, several of these firms secured orders for the third-generation Optimus prior to the current audit phase, which focuses on quality control and production line compliance.
The third-generation model is designed specifically for volume manufacturing and features upgraded joint actuators and a dexterous hand mechanism. Initially, these robots will perform industrial tasks like material handling and assembly line support. Tesla previously audited its Chinese suppliers between September 2025 and February 2026.
Tesla is preparing for large-scale output with a dedicated production line at its Fremont plant, which has a planned annual capacity of 1 million units. Additionally, a second line is under development at the Texas Gigafactory, with a long-term goal of 10 million units annually and an expected launch around summer next year.
