Elon Musk is pushing for stronger influence at Tesla, Inc. as the automaker accelerates its ambitious robotics programme, notably the Optimus humanoid robot initiative. The demand signals deeper tensions between Musk’s long-term vision for robotics/AI and Tesla’s corporate governance. This article explores what’s driving the demand, how it ties to Optimus, and what it could mean for Tesla’s board, investors and future direction.
Why Elon Musk is demanding more control at Tesla
Musk has publicly stated that he is “uncomfortable growing Tesla to be a leader in AI & robotics without having ~25 % voting control.”
He currently owns approximately 13 % of Tesla, but argues this stake leaves him vulnerable to activist shareholders or board decisions he cannot influence.
On the company’s Q1 2024 earnings call transcript, Musk said:
“If we have a super-sentient humanoid robot… I would be uncomfortable … if there’s not some meaningful level of influence over how that is deployed.”
In short: Musk links his demand for control directly to robotics and AI strategy, rather than purely auto manufacturing.
How this links to the Optimus project
Optimus is central to Musk’s vision of Tesla’s future. He has repeatedly claimed that the robot programme will transform Tesla’s business—from cars to robotics.
For example:
- Musk said the robot “ultimately will be worth more than the car business”.
- He predicted that ~80 % of Tesla’s future value could derive from Optimus.
By demanding more control, Musk is seeking assurance that Tesla’s strategic pivot into robotics and AI remains aligned with his vision—and not subject to board constraints that could alter or delay it.
What’s at stake for Tesla’s board and investors
Governance concerns
Musk’s call for approximately 25 % voting control raises questions around board independence and checks and balances. Some governance experts argue that such a shift could weaken oversight.
Strategic risk vs. promise
On one hand, if Tesla executes Optimus and its AI ambitions successfully, the payoff could be enormous. On the other, the journey is fraught with technical challenges, long development timelines and massive capital investments. The board must balance short-term execution (cars) with long-term bets (robots).
Investor reaction
Some investors may view Musk’s demand as necessary to pursue bold innovation. Others may worry it places too much power in one person and distracts from the core business.
Timeline & next steps for Optimus and control changes
- Musk has affirmed production readiness for Optimus is still forthcoming and that hurdles remain.
- Tesla’s board must respond to Musk’s proposal for greater control—whether via share/voting reallocation, dual-class structures, or compensation adjustments. So far, the board has not formally approved Musk’s 25 % voting target. CNBC
- Investors should watch for upcoming shareholder meetings, governance updates, and official Tesla disclosures to see how this issue evolves.
Why this matters in the broader tech & auto context
- The shift from electric vehicles to robotics/AI could represent a major inflection point for Tesla. If successful, Optimus may reposition Tesla from auto manufacturer to robotics/AI platform leader.
- Control and governance issues become more critical when technological bets are large, complex and long-term. Musk’s demand reflects the tension between bold vision and governance discipline.
- The outcome could influence how other automotive companies approach robotics, how boards manage digital/AI transformation, and investor expectations around tech-heavy auto firms.
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s demand for greater control over Tesla is not just a boardroom power play—it is deeply connected to his belief that robotics and AI (through the Optimus programme) represent the future of Tesla. The company, its board and its investors now face a critical juncture: Will governance adjust to accommodate Musk’s vision, or will checks and balances reshape how that vision is pursued? The answer will have implications far beyond Tesla’s next quarter—it could help define the company’s identity for the next decade.
