Tesla Shifts AI Strategy with $16.5B Samsung Chip Deal, Stock Dips Slightly

Tesla has disbanded its in-house Dojo AI chip team, marking a strategic pivot toward external partnerships for its self-driving technology. The MOVE follows a $16.5 billion agreement with Samsung to supply AI semiconductors through 2033, signaling a departure from vertical integration.

The stock dipped less than 1% in after-hours trading as markets digested the news. Talent from the dissolved Dojo team has reportedly migrated to startup DensityAI, underscoring retention challenges in the competitive AI hardware sector.

This realignment positions Tesla to leverage specialized expertise from industry leaders like Samsung, Nvidia, and AMD rather than developing proprietary solutions. The shift reflects broader industry trends toward collaboration over solo ventures in advanced AI development.