OpenAI is busy developing AI models and new consumer hardware, but CEO Sam Altman and his team seem to have time for another project: humanoid robots. In the podcast "Sources," Altman explained that the humanoid form makes sense because "the world is designed for humans." Doors, keyboards, and tools are all built around a specific body design, and a robot that can move in the same space should have a similar form. As Altman put it, "matching that form seems good."
When asked whether OpenAI would actually build such a robot, his response was very straightforward: "We will." However, Altman is not overly concerned about the robot's specific appearance. He stated that these questions are "less important than really figuring out... the brain that makes the robot work." Clearly, providing a robot with two arms and two legs would be of little use if it does not know how to use those limbs.
OpenAI expects to showcase humanoid robots in 2027
There is still some distance before this becomes a product. Altman told Fortune: "I think we will have a cool demo in 2027... I don't think there will be robots walking down the street; it will take a few more years." OpenAI has not disclosed specific details about the demo, the appearance of the humanoid robots, or when outsiders might interact with such robots. Referring to it as a robot "brain" seems to simplify the issue, but it is not that straightforward. A capable humanoid robot must be able to understand what its cameras and sensors see, interpret commands, decide how to execute them, coordinate its body, and self-correct when faced with inconveniences in the real world.
For example, when picking up a cup, it needs to recognize the cup, locate the handle, estimate the grip strength, and apply the correct force to lift it. Otherwise, it will only leave a mess of spilled coffee and a need to clean the floor.
OpenAI focuses on the development of robotic technology
OpenAI has already been hiring personnel to tackle these challenges. Its robotics positions cover motion control, state estimation, actuator control, and overall robotic behavior, as well as the machine learning infrastructure needed to train physical AI systems. There is also some historical context here. OpenAI's Dactyl research project taught a robotic hand how to manipulate real objects, with its training conducted entirely in simulation. The company subsequently applied this technology to a Rubik's Cube, an early example that still challenges robotics companies: models can learn what should happen through their software, but physics ultimately has the final say.
Altman's focus on intelligence should not be misconstrued as OpenAI viewing hardware as secondary. The company's robotics job listings indicate that it is developing custom motor actuators, including motors, drives, sensors, and thermal systems, while other positions cover the supply chain necessary for producing and ultimately mass-producing hardware. This represents a significant amount of work for the "less important" half of the robot. OpenAI is also not exploring uncharted territory. Tesla has been developing Optimus for years, while XPENG recently allowed its IRON humanoid robot to walk off the production line automatically after assembly.
Both serve as reminders that even intelligent software must drive a set of very complex motors and joints to move.
OpenAI's own plans seem to start from a more pragmatic level, rather than placing robot roommates in every household. Its robotics job postings indicate that the company's short-term goal is to create general-purpose robots that can assist technical workers in building infrastructure, while the long-term goal is to develop personal robots that can help with a wider variety of tasks. If you imagine a knee-equipped ChatGPT washing dishes, you might not need to dismantle your dishwasher just yet. OpenAI has not announced actual robots, consumer pricing, subscription models, release dates, or privacy frameworks for the robots.
If future OpenAI machines are equipped with cameras and microphones and allowed to move freely in someone's home, these issues will become more pressing. Currently, OpenAI's careers page lists 27 open robotics positions.