During a recent meeting attended by all Tesla employees, Ashok Elluswamy, the head of Tesla’s AI division, cautioned that the upcoming year 2026 is anticipated to be challenging. The company has set ambitious targets for the production of Optimus robots and the expansion of its Robotaxi service. The success of these projects will directly impact Elon Musk’s compensation package. If you are part of Tesla’s AI teams, Elluswamy expressed that next year will be extremely demanding, requiring an unprecedented level of effort to meet the company’s objectives. Insiders revealed that Elluswamy emphasized that 2026 will be a critical year for Tesla and urged employees to prepare for intensified work to achieve their goals. The meeting served as a call to action for all staff members across Tesla’s Autopilot and Optimus teams. Key leaders within the AI division addressed employees during the extensive gathering, outlining stringent timelines for Optimus production and goals for the Robotaxi service. As Tesla pushes forward with the nationwide launch of Robotaxis and the scaling up of humanoid robot production, these divisions represent significant investments for CEO Elon Musk. Despite requests for comment, neither Elluswamy nor a Tesla spokesperson responded. Musk previously stated plans to introduce the Robotaxi service in eight to ten metropolitan areas by 2025 year-end and aims to have over a thousand ride-hailing vehicles operational by then. Additionally, Tesla is targeting the commencement of Optimus bot production by late 2026. Musk highlighted that achieving an annualized production rate of 1 million units will be gradual due to various factors. Recently approved by shareholders, Musk’s remuneration package is tied to ambitious targets related to Robotaxis and Optimus bots, such as deploying 1 million Robotaxis on public roads and manufacturing 1 million humanoid robots. This unique compensation structure was deemed unusual but crucial in maintaining Musk’s focus on Tesla according to industry experts. Notably, Musk humorously mentioned his need for additional Tesla shares to maintain control over the company if he were to build a “robot army.” The Autopilot team at Tesla works closely with the Optimus team and is considered one of the company’s top-priority initiatives. Known for their rigorous work ethic, this team operates independently with exclusive access to Musk and maintains strict confidentiality regarding its organizational structure. Similar practices are observed within the Optimus team, where regular meetings with Musk are held weekly. Musk himself confirmed these interactions occurring on Fridays sometimes extending until midnight. If you have any insights or information related to Tesla, feel free to contact this reporter via email at gkay@businessinsider.com or Signal at 248-894-6012 using personal email accounts and non-work devices for secure communication (view our guide on sharing information securely).