Elon Musk has announced a new artificial intelligence project jointly developed by Tesla and his AI startup xAI, introducing a system dubbed "Macrohard" or "Digital Optimus", which he claims could replicate the operational functions of entire software companies.
In a post on X, Musk said the project integrates xAI's Grok large language model with a Tesla-built AI agent capable of observing and interpreting real-time computer screen activity along with keyboard and mouse inputs. According to him, Grok functions as a high-level "navigator", guiding the AI agent as it executes digital tasks.
Musk suggested that the technology could potentially simulate how major software companies operate. "In principle, it is capable of emulating the function of entire companies," he said, adding that the name "Macrohard" is a tongue-in-cheek reference to Microsoft.
The announcement comes amid growing investor anxiety over agentic AI systems that can autonomously perform digital tasks. Concerns intensified recently after Anthropic launched Claude Cowork, a system designed to independently complete computer-based workflows.
Musk said the Macrohard platform will run on Tesla's in-house AI4 chip combined with Nvidia-powered server infrastructure used by xAI, which he described as cost-competitive.
The development follows Tesla's agreement in January to invest about $2 billion in xAI. Last month, SpaceX acquired the AI firm in an all-stock deal that valued SpaceX at $1 trillion and xAI at $250 billion, ahead of a possible SpaceX IPO later this year.
Records from the US Patent and Trademark Office show that xAI applied for the "Macrohard" trademark in August 2025.