Tesla Disbands Dojo Supercomputer Team, Unwinding Key AI Effort

Key Points

  • Tesla Disbands Dojo Team: Tesla is shutting down its Dojo supercomputer project, with team leader Peter Bannon leaving the company and the team being reassigned to other projects within Tesla.**
  • Shift to External Partners: Tesla plans to rely more on external technology partners like Nvidia, AMD, and Samsung for compute and chip manufacturing needs.**
  • Strategic Pivot Confirmed: Elon Musk confirmed a change in approach, focusing on next-generation AI chips for vehicles that will be effective for inference and training.**
  • Talent Exodus: Tesla has experienced a significant loss of key talent this year, amidst rising competition, falling sales, and consumer backlash to Musk’s political activity.**
  • Market Impact: Tesla’s shares rose 2.1% following the news, despite a 20% decline in stock value earlier this year.**

Summary

Tesla Inc. is discontinuing its Dojo supercomputer project, a key initiative for developing AI for driverless vehicle technology, as announced by sources familiar with the matter. The project’s leader, Peter Bannon, is departing, and the Dojo team is being reassigned to other Tesla projects, with some members joining the newly formed DensityAI. Elon Musk has confirmed a strategic shift, focusing on next-generation AI chips for vehicles and increasing reliance on external partners like Nvidia, AMD, and Samsung for compute and chip production. This move marks a significant change from Tesla’s earlier multibillion-dollar plan to lead in AI through Dojo, once seen as a potential $500 billion boost to its market value by analysts. The company has also faced a talent drain, with key executives leaving amid declining sales and competition. Tesla’s stock rose 2.1% following the news, despite a 20% drop earlier this year. Additionally, a $16.5 billion deal with Samsung aims to secure AI semiconductors through 2033, diversifying from Taiwan Semiconductor. Musk had previously hinted at a dual approach with external partners, describing Dojo as a high-risk, high-reward “long shot.”

yahoo
August 8, 2025
Stocks
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