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Tesla Files Lawsuit Alleging Theft of Optimus Robot Trade Secrets by Former Engineer

In a case with serious implications for the robotics and AI sectors, Tesla has filed a lawsuit against a former employee, alleging the misappropriation of proprietary information tied to its Optimus humanoid robot program.

The suit targets Zhongjie “Jay” Li, a former engineer who worked on Optimus from August 2022 until his departure in September 2024. Tesla claims Li unlawfully transferred confidential data—specifically related to the development of advanced robotic hand sensors—to personal devices and later used this information to found a competing startup.

According to the complaint, Li allegedly conducted internal research on humanoid robotic hand technologies and explored venture capital funding sources while still employed at Tesla. Just days after leaving the company, Li incorporated Proception—a robotics firm that, within five months, publicly announced the successful development of robotic hands that Tesla argues bear a “striking resemblance” to its own designs.

Proception, which is backed by Y Combinator, markets itself as a pioneer in human-robot interaction. Tesla asserts that the startup’s rapid progress was enabled by confidential material improperly taken from its internal systems.

The lawsuit brings renewed focus to the issue of trade secret theft in high-tech industries. In fast-moving fields like robotics, where the engineering behind mechanical and sensor systems represents years of R&D investment, the protection of intellectual property is critical.

Tesla’s Optimus project, first introduced in 2021, has faced delays and technical hurdles. While demonstrations have drawn public interest, the robots have often operated under remote control. Elon Musk has most recently projected a commercial release by 2026.

This legal dispute underscores the competitive pressures and legal risks in the race to build advanced humanoid robotics.#Tesla