Elon Musk’s “humans are underrated” remark was about a specific problem in Tesla’s 2018 Model 3 production ramp: an elaborate automated setup was not working as intended, and Tesla removed it. The episode prompted the company to rely on a tent-based assembly line that Musk said was assembled in three weeks and increased output by 50 percent. It was a correction to that production system, not a blanket rejection of factory automation.
What Musk said—and what he was responding to
On April 13, 2018, Musk posted: “Yes, excessive automation at Tesla was a mistake. To be precise, my mistake. Humans are underrated.” The statement followed discussion of a complicated conveyor-belt network associated with Tesla’s Model 3 production difficulties. Musk said the system was not functioning as intended and that Tesla removed it. TechCrunch’s April 13 report reproduced the tweet; The Guardian’s April 16 report also connected the remark to the Model 3 production challenge.
Why production was under pressure
Tesla was trying to increase Model 3 output and had missed a key weekly target. Fortune reported that the company’s target at the end of the first quarter of 2018 was 2,500 Model 3s per week, while it produced 2,020 in a week at quarter-end. Those are historical figures from the 2018 ramp, not current production data. Fortune’s contemporary report gives the target and reported output.
How Tesla responded: a general-assembly line in a tent
In a CBS interview that aired December 9, 2018, correspondent Lesley Stahl described two assembly lines that were not producing cars quickly enough and a third general-assembly line built in a tent in Tesla’s parking lot. Musk said the team assembled that line in three weeks and that it raised output by 50 percent. Those figures are Musk’s account in the interview, rather than independently verified measurements.
#1 Best Overall
- Boy's model toy car: The body is made of alloy material, with exquisite paint craftsmanship and good durability.
- Realistic alloy model car: The 1:32 interior decoration is realistic, with six doors that can be opened. The steering wheel and seats have simulated designs.
- Toy car with lights and music: Opening the car door can light up the lights and simulate the sound of an engine starting. It's a toy car that boys like.
- Companion to Decoration and Cake Decorations: It plays a great decorative role on display cabinets at home and is a great decoration for boys' birthday cake parties.
- Gift selection for toy cars for boys aged 3-12: This gift is suitable for children aged 3 and above and is a collectible for car enthusiasts.
Musk explained the human role in practical terms: “People are way better at dealing with unexpected circumstances than robots.” He also called the tent line “a pretty miraculous effort by the team to create a general assembly line out of nothing in three weeks.” The CBS 60 Minutes transcript shows a line relying visibly on human workers.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the episode says about automation—and what it does not
The 2018 account points to a mismatch between a complex automated arrangement and the immediate demands of a difficult production ramp. People could respond to unexpected conditions, while the conveyor setup Musk discussed had become an obstacle rather than a solution. Bringing workers into the tent line was one way Tesla adjusted its process under pressure.
Rank #2
- Made of zinc alloy with ABS plastic parts
- 5.9 inch x 2.2 inch x 1.8 inch(size)
- The two sides of doors could be opened,front and back covercould be opened too
- You can pull back the car,then it can move forwards with Lights and Sound
- Very suitable as children 4 years and up toys for birthday,Christmas gift, new year. Also it can be a gift for your boyfriend
That episode does not establish that human labor is always more productive than automation, or that automation is inherently a mistake. The cited reporting and interview do not offer a controlled comparison of worker and robot productivity across tasks, factories, or production conditions. The narrower lesson is that automation’s value depends on how well the system works as a whole—including its complexity, reliability during a ramp, and ability to handle exceptions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Made of zinc alloy with ABS plastic parts
- 5.9 inch x 2.2 inch x 1.8 inch(size)
- The two sides of doors could be opened,front and back covercould be opened too
- You can pull back the car,then it can move forwards with Lights and Sound
- Very suitable as children 4 years and up toys for birthday,Christmas gift, new year. Also it can be a gift for your boyfriend
Rank #4
- Made of zinc alloy with ABS plastic parts
- 5.9 inch x 2.2 inch x 1.8 inch(size)
- The two sides of doors could be opened,front and back covercould be opened too
- You can pull back the car,then it can move forwards with Lights and Sound
- Very suitable as children 4 years and up toys for birthday,Christmas gift, new year. Also it can be a gift for your boyfriend
Rank #3
- ❄️ All-Weather Durable Body – Made with cold-resistant & impact-proof pvc materials, this boys pickup toy truck is perfect for winter play and holiday gifts!
- 🔋 2 Rechargeable Batteries + Extra Charging Cables – Remote control car can Enjoy up to 1 hour of playtime without frequent battery swaps. (Includes 2x 400mAh batteries + 2 USB cables for convenience!)
- ⚡ High-Speed RC Trucks Thrills (18 KM/H!) – Front-wheel drive for stable racing fun, ideal for kids aged 3+ to compete safely.
- 💡 Cool Adjustable LED Lights – This rc cars for kids is customize multicolor light modes and unique design for an epic nighttime driving experience!
- 👶 Kid-Friendly Ergonomic Remote – Designed for small hands with a comfortable grip, making steering easy & fun!
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
