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Tesla’s approach underscores a significant shift in how robotics components are sourced and manufactured. Historically, global supply chains—like those established for smartphones—have been deeply interconnected, with reliance on China pivotal. However, recent industry trends and geopolitical tensions are prompting companies to diversify their supply bases.
Tesla’s move may exemplify this trend, focusing on “localization” to mitigate risks and improve supply chain agility. The focus on building a localized supply chain for Optimus mirrors broader efforts across industries to reduce reliance on China for critical parts, especially rare earth elements and high-precision components.