Tesla's AI Team Shrinks as Top Talent Joins Rival Startup—What This Means for Your Future!

After emerging from stealth mode last week, Sunday Robotics is making waves in the robotics landscape by revealing a team filled with former employees from Tesla. According to a recent LinkedIn analysis, at least 10 individuals who previously worked at Tesla have joined the startup, with many having played crucial roles in the company's humanoid robot and self-driving initiatives.

Among the notable hires is Perry Jia, who spent nearly six years with Tesla focusing on the Autopilot and Optimus programs. Jia announced his transition to Sunday Robotics last week, confirming his departure from Tesla over the summer. Another significant addition is Nadeesha Amarasinghe, who worked at Tesla for over seven years as an engineering lead for AI infrastructure, contributing to both Autopilot and Optimus.

Tesla's Autopilot and Optimus programs are among the company's flagship projects, with CEO Elon Musk emphasizing that the ability to solve autonomous driving challenges will greatly influence Tesla's long-term valuation. Musk has also underscored the importance of Optimus, stating the company's goal is to produce millions of humanoid robots capable of performing tasks ranging from factory labor to personal care.

In addition to seasoned professionals, Sunday Robotics has also recruited several former Tesla interns and employees who had been involved in the Autopilot program over the past five years. For instance, Jason Peterson, a previous talent employee for Optimus and robotaxi, is part of the new team, reflecting a strong push to innovate in the robotics sector.

Currently, Sunday Robotics employs around 50 individuals, including engineers and "memory developers" who focus on training the robot. The startup was co-founded in 2024 by Cheng Chi and Tony Zhao, with Zhao having interned on Tesla's Autopilot team in 2022.

On November 19, Sunday Robotics unveiled its home robot, named Memo. Zhao shared a video on social media platform X, showcasing Memo's capabilities, such as picking up wine glasses, loading a dishwasher, and folding socks. This launch marks a significant step forward in the competitive world of home robotics, where Sunday Robotics aims to carve out its niche.

The emergence of Sunday Robotics highlights a growing trend in the robotics industry, where startups are increasingly focusing on creating consumer-ready home robots. For example, just last month, another startup, 1X, unveiled its consumer-ready version of the Neo home robot, with plans to start shipping to customers next year. As advancements in robotics technology accelerate, the line between science fiction and everyday life continues to blur.

As the landscape for home robotics evolves, the influx of talent from established companies like Tesla may set the stage for significant developments in how individuals interact with automation in their homes. With the ambitious goals of Sunday Robotics and its impressive roster of talent, many are eager to see how this new venture will influence the future of automation.

For those who may have insights or connections to Tesla or Sunday Robotics, tips can be shared confidentially. Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to the reporter via email or a secure messaging app, with guidance on ensuring anonymity.