Exclusive Interview: Elon Musk Reveals His Vision for the Future - From Robots to Absolute Abundance

Tesla faces fierce competition and declining stock prices - are you concerned the company is losing its momentum in the market?

I'm not worried about the long term. Tesla is going through a critical transition period, but we're focused on what really matters - developing autonomous driving and humanoid robots. Yes, there are short-term challenges, but the future market for robots could be worth hundreds of billions of dollars. People don't fully understand the magnitude of the opportunity. Tesla's future is about Optimus and autonomous driving technology, not just selling cars.

You recently spoke about a world without work and without money in 10-20 years - how can people truly understand this idea?

AI and robots are the only way to make everyone rich. Imagine that most things you need now - food, shelter, healthcare - will become abundant and nearly free. There will be no poverty because robots will produce everything with enormous efficiency. Work will become optional, like sports or hobbies. It's natural that people feel anxious, but this will happen. There will be shocks and disruptions during the transition - a technological tsunami - but the end result will be very positive.

Why did you change Tesla's mission from 'Sustainable Abundance' to 'Amazing Abundance'? Some see this as neglecting environmental issues.

The latter is more joyful. When we talk about true abundance, the environment will actually be in much better shape anyway. Robots and AI will allow us to build an economy that's naturally more efficient and less polluting. The fundamental problem was never really about sustainability as much as it was about abundance. If we can provide everything for everyone without scarcity, most geopolitical and environmental conflicts will naturally end.

There are criticisms about you managing multiple companies while having a government role - how do you give each company the attention it deserves?

With great difficulty, to be honest. But the things I care about deeply drive me to work with high efficiency. Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI - each is working on humanity's future. I can't sacrifice any of them. Regarding the government role, I needed to reduce waste and corruption. I found that government wastes trillions annually. I had to step in. Now I'm focusing more on the companies again.

Robot Optimus is considered essential to Tesla's future, but many are skeptical about the timeline - when will it actually be ready for mass production?

I believe we're on the right track. Optimus robots are already working in some of our factories and performing real tasks. The timeline for mass production - maybe mid or late this decade. People were skeptical about electric cars too. They said they wouldn't work, were too expensive, no one would want them. Now they dominate the market. The same will happen with robots. Once people see what they can do, there will be a real revolution.

Some observers say your focus on robots and AI could leave millions without jobs - do you feel social responsibility about that?

Of course I feel responsibility. But the alternative is worse - technological stagnation. Jobs will change, not disappear completely. People will need different training. I believe in a high universal basic income to ensure everyone lives with dignity even if they don't need to work. That's the solution. We need smart government policies to manage the transition, but technological progress itself isn't optional - it's inevitable.

You've talked about building a city on the Moon and developing AI satellites - are these real strategic priorities or secondary projects?

These are real strategic priorities. The Moon first - we want to build a self-sustaining city there in less than 10 years. And regarding AI satellites, that's inevitable for the future. You'll have data centers in space orbiting Earth. Imagine - no gravity constraints, and space's cold environment helps cool servers. It makes sense from every angle. Humanity needs to become a multi-planetary civilization - that's essential for ensuring long-term human survival.

Finally, some people are concerned about concentration of power - you own Tesla, SpaceX, xAI and have significant political influence - do you feel any ethical responsibility about this enormous influence?

I feel a deep responsibility. But my power comes from achievement and innovation, not politics. My wealth isn't cash - it's Tesla and SpaceX shares. My wealth only increases when these companies succeed and produce products of real value to people. This means I'm forced to produce things people want. I have no other choice. As for political influence, I believe I need to use it to reduce government corruption and waste. That's a responsibility I feel.