Skip to main content
CadNews - Comparative News Analysis
Topics
Sign in
Back to brief

Business & Finance · October 22, 2026

Elon Musk says training Tesla's Optimus robot is like raising a toddler

3 sources →

In late October 2026, news surrounding Elon Musk focused on three distinct business developments: the training progress of Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot, a potential $3.5 trillion merger between Tesla and SpaceX, and geopolitical tensions regarding Starlink service in Ukraine. Musk described the training of Optimus as an iterative process similar to raising a toddler, while simultaneously confirming that special committees are exploring a massive merger between his two largest companies. Meanwhile, reports of Starlink slowdowns in Ukraine have sparked a dispute between Musk and the White House regarding who authorized the service restrictions.

Read the original coverage

Reported by multiple outlets

  • Elon Musk serves as the CEO of both Tesla and SpaceX.
  • Musk has publicly described the training of the Optimus robot as a process of learning through observation and practice, similar to human development.

Reported by only some outlets

  • Independent directors at SpaceX and Tesla have formed special committees to evaluate a potential merger.
  • A merger between SpaceX and Tesla would create a company valued at approximately $3.5 trillion.
  • Musk holds roughly 85% of SpaceX's voting power compared to about 20% at Tesla.
  • Starlink service in Ukraine has reportedly experienced a slowdown or suspension.
  • Musk claimed that limits on Starlink usage are decided by the US military and the President.
  • Anonymous US officials cited by the Wall Street Journal claim Musk acted unilaterally regarding Starlink without specific orders from the administration.

About these outlets

CadNews does not determine absolute truth or endorse political viewpoints. It compares publicly available reporting, identifies shared facts, highlights framing differences, and flags uncertainty.