Tesla Dojo: A Complete Timeline of Development

Tesla's Shift: From Automaker to AI Leader

Elon Musk envisions Tesla evolving beyond its current role as a vehicle manufacturer. His primary objective is to transform Tesla into a leading AI company, specifically one capable of achieving fully autonomous driving.

The Role of Dojo

Central to this ambition was the development of Dojo, a supercomputer uniquely engineered by Tesla. Its purpose was to facilitate the training of the neural networks powering Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities.

It’s important to note that FSD, despite its name, doesn’t currently deliver true full autonomy. While it can execute certain automated driving functions, a vigilant human driver remains essential for safe operation.

Tesla believes that by leveraging increased data, enhanced computational resources, and more extensive training, a transition to genuine full self-driving functionality can be realized.

Dojo, Cortex, and the Evolving Landscape

Dojo was the subject of considerable anticipation and discussion by Musk throughout 2024. However, with Dojo’s recent release, a new contender, Cortex, has emerged in the field of automotive supercomputing.

A detailed chronology of Dojo’s announcements and projected capabilities is available for review. Further insights into Dojo’s original design, its significance, and the future direction of Tesla’s AI development can be found in a dedicated explainer.

• Key Focus: Transitioning Tesla from a car company to an AI-driven technology firm.
• Core Technology: Utilizing supercomputers like Dojo and Cortex for neural network training.
• Goal: Achieving Level 5 autonomous driving with the Full Self-Driving (FSD) system.

The year 2019 marked a significant period across numerous sectors, witnessing both advancements and challenges on a global scale.

Global Economic Landscape

Throughout 2019, the world economy experienced a slowdown in growth. This deceleration was largely attributed to escalating trade tensions, particularly between the United States and China.

These trade disputes resulted in increased tariffs and uncertainty, impacting global supply chains and investment decisions.

Key Economic Indicators

• Global GDP growth was estimated at around 2.9%, a decline from the 3.6% recorded in 2018.
• International trade volume growth slowed considerably.
• Manufacturing output experienced a contraction in several major economies.

Technological Developments

2019 saw continued rapid innovation in the technology sector. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning continued to be dominant forces.

The rollout of 5G networks began, promising faster mobile data speeds and enabling new applications like the Internet of Things (IoT).

Notable Tech Trends

• AI advancements focused on natural language processing and computer vision.
• The development of edge computing gained momentum, bringing data processing closer to the source.
• Concerns regarding data privacy and cybersecurity intensified.

Political Events

The political landscape in 2019 was characterized by instability and shifting alliances. Several countries experienced significant political upheaval.

Brexit continued to dominate headlines in Europe, with ongoing negotiations and delays surrounding the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union.

Major Political Occurrences

• Political tensions rose in Hong Kong, leading to widespread protests.
• Elections were held in numerous countries, resulting in changes in government.
• Geopolitical rivalries continued to shape international relations.

Environmental Concerns

Environmental issues remained a critical focus in 2019. Climate change continued to manifest in extreme weather events around the world.

Increased awareness of plastic pollution and deforestation spurred calls for greater sustainability and environmental protection.

Environmental Highlights

• Record-breaking heatwaves were experienced in Europe and other regions.
• Amazon rainforest fires raised global alarm.
• The youth-led climate movement gained significant traction.

Social and Cultural Shifts

Socially, 2019 witnessed growing movements advocating for social justice and equality. Discussions surrounding diversity, inclusion, and representation became more prominent.

Culturally, streaming services continued to reshape the entertainment industry, offering a wider range of content to audiences globally.

Key Social Trends

• The #MeToo movement continued to empower survivors of sexual harassment and assault.
• Increased focus on mental health and well-being.
• The rise of influencer culture and social media activism.

Initial Announcements Regarding Dojo

April 22nd – During Tesla’s Autonomy Day presentation, the company’s artificial intelligence division presented details concerning Autopilot and Full Self-Driving capabilities, alongside the AI systems that underpin them.

Information was disclosed regarding Tesla’s uniquely designed chips, developed specifically for neural networks and autonomous vehicles.

Throughout the event, Elon Musk introduced Dojo, describing it as a high-performance supercomputer intended for the training of artificial intelligence models.

Musk further stated that all Tesla vehicles in current production were equipped with the necessary hardware to enable full self-driving functionality, requiring only a software update for activation.

2020

The year 2020 was marked by a confluence of significant global events, most notably the emergence and rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global Health Crisis: COVID-19

The outbreak of COVID-19, originating in Wuhan, China, quickly escalated into a worldwide pandemic. This led to unprecedented disruptions in daily life across the globe.

Governments implemented various measures to contain the virus, including lockdowns, travel restrictions, and social distancing protocols. These actions aimed to slow transmission rates and protect healthcare systems.

Economic Impact

The pandemic triggered a substantial economic downturn. Supply chains were severely disrupted, and numerous businesses faced closures or significant financial hardship.

Unemployment rates surged as industries like tourism, hospitality, and entertainment were particularly affected. Governments responded with economic stimulus packages to mitigate the financial consequences.

Social and Political Developments

2020 also witnessed significant social and political movements. The Black Lives Matter protests gained global momentum following the death of George Floyd in the United States.

These protests highlighted issues of racial injustice and police brutality, sparking widespread calls for systemic change. Demonstrations occurred in numerous cities worldwide.

United States Presidential Election

The United States held its presidential election in November 2020. The election between Donald Trump and Joe Biden was highly contested and attracted significant media attention.

Joe Biden ultimately won the election, and Kamala Harris became the first female Vice President of the United States. The transition of power was marked by political tensions.

Other Notable Events

Beyond the pandemic and political events, 2020 saw other significant occurrences. These included wildfires in Australia and the western United States, as well as devastating floods in various regions.

Technological advancements continued at a rapid pace, with increased focus on remote work and digital communication tools. The year accelerated the adoption of these technologies.

A Year of Transformation

In summary, 2020 proved to be a transformative year characterized by unprecedented challenges and significant shifts in global dynamics. The impacts of the year continue to be felt in subsequent years.

The events of 2020 underscored the interconnectedness of the world and the importance of international cooperation in addressing global crises. It was a year that reshaped many aspects of life.

The Commencement of Dojo's Presentation

February 2 – Elon Musk announced that Tesla is on the verge of surpassing one million connected vehicles globally. These vehicles are equipped with the necessary sensors and computational power for achieving full self-driving capabilities, and he highlighted the potential of the Dojo system.

Musk explained that Dojo, Tesla’s dedicated training supercomputer, possesses the ability to analyze extensive volumes of video data. It will efficiently operate hyperspace arrays, featuring a substantial number of parameters, ample memory, and exceptionally high bandwidth between processing cores. Further details are forthcoming.

Dojo's Development Timeline

August 14 – Musk reaffirmed Tesla’s intention to create a neural network training computer, named Dojo, specifically designed for handling exceptionally large datasets of video information. He described it as a remarkably powerful system.

He also indicated that the initial iteration of Dojo was projected to be completed within approximately one year, suggesting a launch timeframe around August 2021.

Re-evaluation of Dojo's Necessity

December 31 – Elon Musk stated that while Dojo isn’t strictly essential, its implementation will significantly enhance the performance of self-driving technology. He emphasized that surpassing human driver safety isn't the ultimate goal.

“Autopilot must ultimately demonstrate a safety record exceeding that of human drivers by a factor of ten or more,” Musk clarified.

2021

The year 2021 marked a period of continued adaptation and significant developments across numerous sectors globally. Following the disruptions of 2020, many industries focused on recovery and building resilience.

Global Economic Landscape

Economic recovery was a central theme throughout 2021, though unevenly distributed. Supply chain disruptions, initially triggered in 2020, persisted and contributed to rising inflation in many countries.

Government stimulus packages, implemented in response to the pandemic, continued to play a role in supporting economic activity. However, concerns grew regarding increasing national debt levels.

Technological Advancements

Digital transformation accelerated in 2021, driven by the ongoing need for remote work and online services. Investments in cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and 5G technology saw substantial growth.

The metaverse gained prominence as a concept, with companies exploring its potential applications in areas like gaming, social interaction, and commerce.

Social and Political Events

The COVID-19 pandemic remained a major global concern, with the emergence of new variants like Delta and Omicron. Vaccination campaigns were rolled out worldwide, though access remained unequal.

Political landscapes experienced shifts in various regions. Notable events included changes in leadership and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Environmental Concerns

Climate change continued to be a pressing issue, with extreme weather events occurring more frequently. International efforts to address climate change, such as the COP26 summit, aimed to accelerate emissions reductions.

Increased focus was placed on sustainability and renewable energy sources as alternatives to fossil fuels.

Key Trends of 2021

• Remote Work: The widespread adoption of remote work models continued to reshape work environments.
• E-commerce Growth: Online shopping experienced further expansion, impacting traditional retail sectors.
• Cryptocurrency Adoption: Interest in cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, increased, alongside discussions about regulation.
• Supply Chain Resilience: Businesses prioritized building more resilient supply chains to mitigate future disruptions.

In summary, 2021 was a year characterized by navigating ongoing challenges and embracing new opportunities. The impacts of the pandemic continued to be felt, while technological advancements and environmental concerns shaped the global agenda.

Tesla Officially Launches Dojo

August 19 – The company formally unveiled Dojo during Tesla’s inaugural AI Day, an event specifically designed to recruit engineers for its artificial intelligence division. Alongside this announcement, Tesla presented its D1 chip, intended for use – in conjunction with GPUs from Nvidia – to drive the Dojo supercomputer. It was specified that the AI cluster will incorporate 3,000 D1 chips.

October 12 – Tesla published a detailed Dojo Technology whitepaper, titled “a guide to Tesla’s configurable floating point formats & arithmetic.” This document details a novel technical specification for a unique form of binary floating-point computation. This arithmetic is utilized within deep learning neural networks and is adaptable for implementation entirely through software, hardware, or a hybrid approach.

2022

The year 2022 was marked by significant developments across numerous sectors globally. From geopolitical shifts to technological advancements, it represented a period of considerable change and adaptation.

Global Events and Geopolitics

A major focal point of 2022 was the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This event triggered widespread humanitarian concerns and had substantial repercussions for international relations and energy markets.

Furthermore, global inflation rates experienced a marked increase throughout the year. Supply chain disruptions, coupled with heightened demand, contributed to rising costs of living in many countries.

Technological Innovations

The realm of technology continued its rapid evolution in 2022. Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in areas like machine learning and natural language processing, gained prominence.

Web3 technologies, including blockchain and cryptocurrencies, also saw increased attention, despite experiencing volatility in the financial markets. Discussions surrounding the metaverse and its potential applications intensified.

Economic Trends

Economic growth slowed in many parts of the world during 2022. Central banks responded to inflationary pressures by raising interest rates, aiming to curb spending and stabilize prices.

The labor market remained relatively tight in several developed economies, with unemployment rates remaining low. However, concerns about a potential recession loomed large towards the end of the year.

Social and Cultural Shifts

Socially, 2022 witnessed continued conversations surrounding issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Increased awareness of social justice movements persisted.

Culturally, streaming services continued to dominate entertainment consumption. New music, films, and television shows were released, reflecting evolving societal trends and preferences.

Environmental Concerns

Climate change remained a pressing global concern in 2022. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods, occurred in various regions, highlighting the urgency of addressing environmental challenges.

International efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources continued, though progress remained uneven. The importance of sustainable practices was increasingly emphasized.

Key Takeaways

In summary, 2022 was a complex year characterized by geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty, and rapid technological change. It underscored the interconnectedness of global systems and the need for collaborative solutions to address pressing challenges.

The events of 2022 laid the groundwork for future developments and continue to shape the world we live in today. Understanding these trends is crucial for navigating the complexities of the years ahead.

Tesla's Advancements in Dojo Supercomputer Development

August 12 – Elon Musk announced that Tesla is preparing to integrate Dojo incrementally. This phased approach is anticipated to reduce the need for substantial purchases of additional GPUs in the coming year.

September 30 – During Tesla’s second AI Day event, the initial Dojo cabinet was unveiled. Load testing was conducted at a capacity of 2.2 megawatts.

Tesla reported a production rate of one tile daily, with each tile comprising 25 D1 chips.

A demonstration of Dojo’s capabilities was presented onstage. It showcased the running of a Stable Diffusion model, generating an AI-created image depicting a “Cybertruck on Mars.”

The company established a goal to have a complete Exapod cluster operational by the first quarter of 2023.

Plans are in place to construct a total of seven Exapods at the Palo Alto facility.

2023

The year 2023 marked a period of significant developments across numerous sectors globally. From technological advancements to geopolitical shifts, the landscape experienced considerable change.

Technological Innovations

Throughout 2023, artificial intelligence (AI) continued its rapid evolution. Large language models became increasingly sophisticated, impacting fields like content creation and customer service.

Further advancements were observed in quantum computing, though widespread practical applications remained on the horizon. Research and development efforts intensified, pushing the boundaries of computational power.

Geopolitical Events

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remained a central focus of international attention throughout 2023. Its repercussions were felt globally, particularly in energy markets and food security.

Increased tensions were also noted in various regions, including the South China Sea and the Middle East. Diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and conflict resolution were consistently underway.

Economic Trends

Global economic growth slowed in 2023, influenced by factors such as high inflation and rising interest rates. Central banks worldwide implemented monetary policies to combat inflationary pressures.

Supply chain disruptions, while easing from their peak in previous years, continued to pose challenges to businesses. Diversification of supply sources became a key strategy for many organizations.

Environmental Concerns

Extreme weather events, including heatwaves, floods, and wildfires, were prevalent in 2023. These events underscored the urgency of addressing climate change.

International discussions on climate action continued, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. The implementation of sustainable practices gained momentum.

Social and Cultural Shifts

Social movements advocating for equality and justice continued to gain prominence in 2023. Discussions surrounding diversity, inclusion, and human rights remained central to public discourse.

The metaverse and Web3 technologies continued to evolve, attracting investment and sparking debate about their potential impact on society. Virtual and augmented reality applications expanded.

Key Highlights

• Continued growth in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).
• Increased focus on cybersecurity threats and data privacy.
• Advancements in biotechnology and medical research.
• Growing awareness of mental health and well-being.

In summary, 2023 was a year characterized by complex challenges and transformative opportunities. The interplay of technological, geopolitical, economic, environmental, and social forces shaped the global landscape.

A High-Risk, High-Reward Venture

April 19 – During Tesla’s Q1 earnings call, Elon Musk communicated to investors that the Dojo project possesses the capability to dramatically reduce training expenses – potentially by a factor of ten. He further suggested that Dojo could evolve into a commercially available service, mirroring the cloud services offered by Amazon Web Services.

Musk characterized Dojo as a “long-shot bet,” nonetheless emphasizing its inherent value and justifying the investment.

June 21 – An announcement from the Tesla AI official account on social media indicated that the company’s neural networks were already being utilized in customer vehicles. Accompanying this was a graphical representation detailing Tesla’s existing and anticipated computational capacity.

This timeline positioned the commencement of Dojo production in July 2023, though clarification was needed regarding whether this referred to the D1 chips themselves or the complete supercomputer system. Musk confirmed on the same day that Dojo was operational and processing workloads within Tesla’s data centers.

Projections were also made regarding Tesla’s computational power, aiming for a position within the world’s top five by February 2024, and reaching 100 exaflops by October 2024. (There is no evidence to suggest these goals were met.)

July 19 – Tesla’s second-quarter earnings report confirmed the initiation of Dojo production. Musk also stated the company’s intention to invest over $1 billion in Dojo development throughout 2024.

September 6 – In a post on social media, Musk highlighted that Tesla’s progress was constrained by limitations in AI training compute. He expressed confidence that both Nvidia and Dojo would address this bottleneck.

He also pointed out the significant challenge of managing the vast amount of data – approximately 160 billion video frames – collected daily from Tesla vehicles.

2024

The year 2024 marks a significant period across numerous domains, from technological advancements to geopolitical shifts. It is anticipated to be a year of continued evolution and adaptation on a global scale.

Technological Landscape

Significant developments in artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to unfold throughout 2024. These advancements will likely impact various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and transportation.

Further expansion of 5G networks is also projected. This will facilitate faster data transfer speeds and enable new applications in areas like the Internet of Things (IoT) and augmented reality.

Geopolitical Considerations

The global political climate in 2024 is expected to remain complex. Ongoing conflicts and evolving international relationships will continue to shape the geopolitical landscape.

Several key elections are scheduled to take place worldwide. The outcomes of these elections will have far-reaching consequences for domestic and international policies.

Economic Outlook

Economic forecasts for 2024 suggest a period of moderate growth, albeit with continued uncertainties. Inflation and supply chain disruptions remain key concerns.

The energy sector is undergoing a transformation, with a growing emphasis on renewable energy sources. This transition is driven by environmental concerns and the need for sustainable energy solutions.

Social Trends

Shifting demographics and evolving social values are influencing trends in 2024. Increased awareness of social justice issues and environmental sustainability is shaping consumer behavior and societal norms.

The rise of remote work and digital nomadism is continuing to reshape the labor market. This trend presents both opportunities and challenges for businesses and individuals.

Key Areas of Focus

• Sustainability: Efforts to address climate change and promote environmental responsibility will intensify.
• Digital Transformation: Businesses will continue to invest in digital technologies to enhance efficiency and innovation.
• Cybersecurity: Protecting against cyber threats will remain a critical priority for organizations and governments.
• Healthcare Innovation: Advancements in medical technology and healthcare delivery will improve patient outcomes.

In conclusion, 2024 is poised to be a dynamic year characterized by technological progress, geopolitical complexities, and evolving social trends. Adapting to these changes will be crucial for individuals and organizations alike.

Scaling Initiatives for Tesla's AI Development

January 24 – During Tesla’s earnings discussion for the fourth quarter and the entire year, Musk reiterated that the Dojo project represents a venture with substantial risk alongside potentially significant rewards. He also indicated that Tesla was simultaneously progressing with both Nvidia and Dojo, confirming that “Dojo is functioning” and currently executing training tasks.

Musk further stated that Tesla is actively expanding its capabilities and has “plans for Dojo 1.5, Dojo 2, Dojo 3, and subsequent iterations.”

January 26 – Tesla publicly announced its intention to invest $500 million in the construction of a Dojo supercomputer facility located in Buffalo. However, Musk subsequently tempered expectations regarding the investment.

In a post on X, he clarified that while $500 million is a considerable amount, it is comparable to the cost of a 10,000 H100 system from Nvidia. He also stated that Tesla’s spending on Nvidia hardware this year will exceed this figure.

Musk emphasized that the financial commitment required to remain competitive in the field of artificial intelligence is at least several billion dollars annually.

April 30 – At the TSMC North American Technology Symposium, it was revealed that Dojo’s next-generation training tile – designated D2 – is now in production. This new tile integrates the entire Dojo tile onto a single silicon wafer.

This represents a shift from the previous design, which required connecting 25 chips to form a single tile, as reported by IEEE Spectrum.

May 20 – Musk highlighted that the rear section of the Giga Texas factory expansion will accommodate the construction of “a highly concentrated, water-cooled supercomputer cluster.”

June 4 – A CNBC report alleged that Musk had redirected thousands of Nvidia chips initially allocated to Tesla towards X and xAI. After an initial denial, Musk acknowledged the diversion on X.

He explained that Tesla lacked a suitable location to deploy the Nvidia chips due to ongoing construction work on the southern extension of Giga Texas, stating they “would have simply remained in storage.” He further noted that the extension is designed to accommodate 50,000 H100s for FSD training.

Additionally, Musk posted the following clarification:

“Approximately half of the $10 billion in AI-related expenditures Tesla anticipates this year will be dedicated to internal development. This includes the Tesla-designed AI inference computer and sensors integrated into all our vehicles, as well as the Dojo project. For the construction of AI training superclusters, Nvidia hardware accounts for roughly two-thirds of the total cost. My current estimate for Nvidia purchases by Tesla this year is between $3 billion and $4 billion.”

July 1 – Musk disclosed on X that existing Tesla vehicles might not possess the necessary hardware to support the company’s next-generation AI model.

He explained that the approximately fivefold increase in parameter count with the next-gen AI “presents a significant challenge to achieve without upgrading the vehicle’s inference computer.”

Nvidia Hardware Availability Issues

July 23 – Elon Musk, during Tesla's Q2 earnings discussion, highlighted the significant difficulty in procuring Nvidia hardware. He stated that demand for their GPUs is exceptionally high, frequently leading to supply constraints.

Musk emphasized the necessity for increased focus on Tesla’s Dojo project. This is to guarantee sufficient training capacity, particularly given the challenges in acquiring Nvidia GPUs.

He expressed confidence in Dojo’s potential to become a competitive alternative to Nvidia in the realm of AI training.

Tesla's Dojo Expansion Plans

Tesla’s investor presentation included a projection indicating a substantial increase in AI training capacity. They anticipate reaching approximately 90,000 H100-equivalent GPUs by the close of 2024.

This represents a significant jump from the roughly 40,000 GPUs available as of June.

Further details were shared by Musk on X (formerly Twitter).

He announced that Dojo 1 will have around 8,000 H100-equivalent units of training power operational by year-end.

Dojo 1 Supercomputer Details

Accompanying the announcement were images of the Dojo supercomputer itself.

Notably, the supercomputer’s exterior design incorporates a similar stainless steel aesthetic to Tesla’s Cybertruck vehicles.

The visual similarity suggests a cohesive design language across Tesla’s product lines.

The Evolution of Tesla's AI Infrastructure

Elon Musk indicated that the rollout of AI5 is approximately eighteen months from reaching substantial production levels. This statement was made in response to a social media post concerning potential dissatisfaction among owners of Tesla vehicles equipped with Hardware 4/AI4, anticipating being superseded by the advancements of AI5.

On August 3rd, Musk shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he had completed an inspection of Tesla’s supercompute cluster located at Giga Texas, known as Cortex. He highlighted its planned configuration, which involves approximately 100,000 Nvidia H100/H200 GPUs.

This substantial computing power will be complemented by extensive storage capacity, specifically designed for video training related to both Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities and the Optimus humanoid robot.

Further details regarding Cortex were revealed on August 26th, when Musk posted a video on X. He described the facility as a “giant new AI training supercluster” currently under construction at Tesla’s headquarters in Austin, Texas.

The stated purpose of Cortex is to address and resolve challenges in the realm of real-world artificial intelligence development.

Key Components and Capabilities

• GPU Power: Approximately 100,000 Nvidia H100/H200 GPUs.
• Data Storage: Massive storage infrastructure for video data.
• Applications: Training for Full Self-Driving and Optimus.
• Location: Giga Texas (Austin, Texas).

The development of Cortex represents a significant investment by Tesla in its AI capabilities. It is intended to accelerate progress in both autonomous driving and robotics.

2025

The year 2025 is anticipated to be a significant period for numerous technological advancements and societal shifts. Predictions suggest continued growth in areas like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration.

Technological Forecasts

Several key technological trends are expected to mature by 2025. These include the wider adoption of 5G networks, advancements in virtual and augmented reality, and the increasing prevalence of the Internet of Things (IoT).

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is projected to become more integrated into daily life, impacting industries from healthcare to finance.
• Quantum Computing: While still in its early stages, quantum computing is expected to demonstrate more practical applications.
• Biotechnology: Breakthroughs in gene editing and personalized medicine are anticipated to continue.

Societal Implications

The changes driven by technology will likely have profound societal consequences. These include shifts in the job market, evolving privacy concerns, and the need for updated ethical frameworks.

Automation, powered by AI and robotics, is expected to reshape the workforce. Upskilling and reskilling initiatives will become increasingly vital for workers to adapt to these changes.

Economic Outlook

The global economy in 2025 is forecast to be influenced by factors such as geopolitical stability, trade policies, and the ongoing recovery from recent economic challenges.

Sustainable development and the transition to a green economy are expected to gain further momentum. Investments in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, are predicted to increase substantially.

Space Exploration

Continued investment in space exploration is anticipated, with potential milestones including further missions to the Moon and preparations for crewed missions to Mars.

Private space companies are expected to play an increasingly prominent role in space travel and research, alongside traditional government agencies.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the potential benefits, 2025 will also present several challenges. These include addressing cybersecurity threats, mitigating the risks associated with climate change, and ensuring equitable access to technology.

Maintaining data privacy and security will be paramount as technology becomes more pervasive. Robust regulations and ethical guidelines will be crucial to protect individuals' rights.

Successfully navigating these challenges will require international cooperation, innovative solutions, and a commitment to responsible technological development.

The Discontinuation of Tesla’s Dojo Project and Team Dissolution

January 29 – Tesla’s fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 earnings discussion did not include any reference to the Dojo project. However, Cortex, Tesla’s newly established AI training supercluster located at the Austin manufacturing facility, was highlighted. The company indicated in its shareholder materials that the deployment of Cortex, comprised of approximately 50,000 H100 Nvidia GPUs, had been completed.

According to the shareholder letter, “Cortex was instrumental in enabling Version 13 of FSD (Supervised), delivering substantial improvements in both safety and passenger comfort due to a 4.2x increase in data volume and enhanced video input resolution, among other advancements.”

During the earnings call, CFO Vaibhav Taneja explained that the accelerated construction of Cortex was undertaken to expedite the release of FSD V13. He stated that cumulative capital expenditures related to AI, encompassing infrastructure, had reached approximately $5 billion to date. Taneja also projected that capital expenditure related to AI would remain stable in 2025.

July 23 – During Tesla’s Q2 2025 earnings call, Elon Musk stated that Dojo 2 was anticipated to be “operating at scale” around 2026, defining “scale” as roughly 100,000 H100 equivalents. Simultaneously, he suggested potential overlaps in functionality.

“Considering Dojo 3 and the AI6 inference chip, it appears logical to strive for convergence, ultimately utilizing a unified chip design,” Musk commented.

July 28 – Tesla formalized a $16.5 billion agreement with Samsung to procure its next-generation AI6 chips. The AI6 chip represents Tesla’s investment in a chip architecture capable of supporting a range of applications, from powering FSD and the Optimus humanoid robot to facilitating high-performance AI training within data centers.

August 6 – Bloomberg reported that nearly 20 employees from the Dojo team departed to establish their own venture, DensityAI, focused on the development of AI chips, software, and hardware.

August 7 – Bloomberg further reported that Tesla had dissolved the Dojo team and terminated the project. Peter Bannon, the leader of the Dojo initiative, also left the company.

Musk responded to these reports on X, stating: “It is inefficient for Tesla to allocate resources to develop and scale two distinct AI chip designs. The Tesla AI5, AI6, and subsequent chips will provide excellent performance for inference and will be at least competent for training. All efforts are now concentrated on this unified approach.”

August 10 – “Upon realizing that all development paths converged on AI6, I was compelled to discontinue Dojo and make difficult staffing decisions, as Dojo 2 had become an obsolete project,” Musk posted on X. “Dojo 3 effectively exists within a substantial number of AI6 [systems-on-a-chip] integrated onto a single board.”

September 1 – Tesla released its Master Plan Part IV via the social media platform X. Neither Dojo nor Cortex received mention, although AI, and specifically “physical AI,” was presented as a core focus.

This article was originally published on August 10, 2024. The most recent update to the Tesla Dojo timeline was published on September 2, 2025.