OpenAI says GPT-6 Astra designed a working hardware device in under a week
OpenAI reports that GPT-6 Astra handled a device's exterior, internals, PCB and firmware, though manufacturing tolerances still needed human review.
OpenAI said in a blog post on November 3, 2026, that it tested whether GPT-6 Astra could build a hardware device end-to-end without humans manually editing the design output. The model handled the device's exterior and internal structure, electronic component selection, PCB design, user interface and firmware and software integration, according to the company.
Two team members worked on the project as a side project and finished the design in under a week. The device can converse with Codex, OpenAI's coding model. A contract manufacturer then produced a small batch of prototypes in less than a month.
OpenAI said the experiment also exposed limits. In actual manufacturing, the model failed to consistently account for manufacturers' production limits, component tolerances and assembly details, requiring repeated review and revision.
Use inside OpenAI and outside partners
OpenAI's internal hardware and infrastructure teams already use Codex and ChatGPT for CAD model edits, manufacturing drawings, simulation setup and design reviews. Token-based model usage across hardware teams, including robotics and computing infrastructure, grew 23-fold since February 2026, the company said.
On a separate benchmark, OpenAI's unreleased latest internal model averaged 0.875 on BenchCAD 2.0, which measures reconstruction of 3D parts and board connectivity, above GPT-6 Astra's 0.594 at its highest reasoning setting.
The company is also testing with Chip Ganassi Racing the conversion of 3D scan data of existing parts into editable CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings. It has begun a new research collaboration with Mazda on simulating airflow and structural behaviour to improve vehicle performance, with design and cost also under consideration. The announcement was reported by aitimes.com.
Quick answers
What did GPT-6 Astra design for OpenAI?
A device that can converse with Codex. Astra handled its exterior and internal structure, component selection, PCB design, UI and firmware and software integration.
How long did the design and prototyping take?
Two team members finished the design in under a week as a side project, and a contract manufacturer produced a small batch of prototypes in less than a month.
What problems came up in manufacturing?
OpenAI said the model did not consistently account for production limits, component tolerances and assembly details, so the design needed repeated review and revision.