Tesla revives the closed Dojo project for AI computing in space - ForkLog: cryptocurrencies, AI, singularity, future

2026-01-21 11:23:59

# Tesla Rejuvenates the Closed Dojo Project for AI Computing in Space

Tesla will resume work on Dojo3 — a previously abandoned project to create a third-generation AI chip for electric vehicles. Now it will be used for computations in space, announced Elon Musk.

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 [email protected] with 3 bullet points on the toughest technical problems you’ve solved.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 18, 2026

Dojo is a specialized supercomputer and computing platform by Tesla for training neural networks on massive amounts of video and sensor data.

The development was first discussed in April 2019, when the company introduced its autopilot chips. At that time, Musk positioned Dojo as a key element of Tesla’s AI strategy and actively promoted the project in subsequent years.

The initiative’s fate was uncertain. As early as July 2024, before the robotaxi presentation, Musk promised to “double efforts” in developing the platform. However, by August 2025, the billionaire unexpectedly announced the closure of the project and the disbandment of the team. Despite plans to release second-generation system (Dojo 2) in 2026, he called the project an “evolutionary dead end.”

Now, more ambitious plans are being set for Dojo’s development.

AI4 by itself will achieve self-driving safety levels very far above human.

AI5 will make the cars almost perfect and greatly enhance Optimus.

AI6 will be for Optimus and data centers.

AI7/Dojo3 will be space-based AI compute.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 18, 2026

“AI7/Dojo3 will be designed for space-based AI computations,” — Musk said.

Tesla is preparing to rebuild the team it disbanded several months ago.

“If you’re interested in working on chips that will be the most mass-produced in the world, send an email to [email protected] with three points about the toughest technical problems you’ve solved,” — the entrepreneur noted.

Space — the trend of the future

Musk and several other company leaders believe that the future of data centers lies beyond Earth. They think that the planet’s energy networks are approaching their limits.

Among the advantages are virtually unlimited access to solar energy and space for equipment deployment. The downside is the high cost of rocket launches with the necessary infrastructure.

Analysts from the research group 33FG calculated that AI computations in orbit will become economically feasible by 2030.

One of the first to show interest was Google. The company announced a plan to create a satellite network in low Earth orbit, which will generate energy to power data centers.

The idea is supported by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, but Elon Musk has a strategic advantage — control over the delivery means.

The entrepreneur plans to use the upcoming SpaceX IPO to finance his idea of using Starship to launch groups of computational satellites, which could operate in constant sunlight and collect energy around the clock.

Recall that in May 2025, China launched 12 satellites as part of a project to deploy a network of orbital supercomputers.

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