Former Apple research scientist Yilun Chen has joined Tesla’s Optimus AI team, marking a significant shift in his career. Chen’s departure from Apple, where he progressed from individual contributor to technical lead, highlights Tesla’s growing influence in the field of artificial intelligence and robotics.
Farewell to Apple
In a farewell message shared on social media on November 30, 2025, Chen reflected on his nearly four years at Apple. During his tenure, he engaged with high-profile projects and gained valuable experience across various sectors, including engineering, research, and product incubation. Chen expressed gratitude towards his mentors and colleagues, stating that each role provided unique lessons in scaling technology and guiding product vision.
“I’m sincerely grateful for the opportunities to work on so many amazing projects and products across the company,” he noted in his farewell post. His experience at Apple has left a lasting impact, which he described as “unforgettable.”
Joining Tesla’s Optimus Team
Chen’s decision to move to Tesla was fueled by his admiration for the company’s ambition surrounding the Optimus project, a humanoid robot designed to leverage large language model (LLM) reasoning and Physical AI. After visiting the Optimus lab, he described himself as “totally blown away” by the lab’s scale, sophistication, and the dedication of its team members.
In his first week at Tesla, Chen experienced a vibrant workplace culture characterized by spontaneous discussions on deep-tech topics, a flat organizational structure, and rapid prototyping cycles. He described the environment as one where “crazy ideas” are met with swift iterations, fostering an atmosphere rich in innovation.
“The energy to change the world here is palpable,” Chen remarked, highlighting the team’s commitment to making humanoid robots a reality. His transition to Tesla not only signifies a personal career advancement but also underscores the increasing convergence of technology and robotics, which may redefine industry standards in the near future.
The addition of Yilun Chen to the Optimus team could play a critical role in advancing Tesla’s vision for robotics, further establishing the company’s position as a leader in technological innovation. With such talent on board, the potential for groundbreaking developments in AI and robotics appears promising.
