Tesla is set to restart development of Dojo3, its previously shelved third-generation AI chip. However, the revived project will focus on space-based AI computing rather than training self-driving systems on Earth.
The decision marks a strategic shift for the electric vehicle maker and comes five months after Tesla shut down its Dojo supercomputer program. At that time, the company disbanded the core Dojo team following the departure of project lead Peter Bannon.
After the shutdown, around 20 former Dojo engineers joined DensityAI, a new AI infrastructure firm founded by ex-Dojo head Ganesh Venkataramanan, along with former Tesla employees Bill Chang and Ben Floering.
Now that the AI5 chip design is in good shape, Tesla will restart work on Dojo3.
If you’re interested in working on what will be the highest volume chips in the world, send a note to AI_Chips@Tesla.com with 3 bullet points on the toughest technical problems you’ve solved.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 18, 2026At the time, reports suggested Tesla would rely more on external partners such as Nvidia, AMD, and Samsung rather than pursuing custom in-house chips. However, recent comments from Elon Musk indicate a renewed commitment to internal chip development.
In a post on X, Musk said the revival of Dojo was driven by progress in Tesla’s chip roadmap. He noted that the company’s AI5 chip design is “in good shape.”
In a surprising strategic pivot, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the company will resurrect its Dojo3 AI chip project, fundamentally redirecting its purpose from terrestrial self-driving systems to pioneering space-based AI compute infrastructure.https://t.co/uB5f6dh3Nq pic.twitter.com/t2sjSb7Yad
— BitcoinWorld Media (@ItsBitcoinWorld) January 20, 2026The AI5 chip, manufactured by TSMC, powers Tesla’s automated driving systems and its Optimus robots. Last summer, Tesla also signed a $16.5 billion agreement with Samsung to produce AI6 chips for future vehicles and Optimus platforms.
Musk said that the next generation, AI7—also referred to as Dojo3—will be dedicated to space-based AI compute. He invited engineers to apply for roles, calling the project an opportunity to work on what he described as the world’s highest-volume chips.
The announcement reflects Musk’s familiar pattern of unveiling ambitious ideas and pushing to turn them into reality, even after earlier setbacks.
