OpenAI to build a humanoid robot, Altman says, with demo expected in 2027
Speaking on the Sources podcast, the OpenAI CEO said the humanoid form factor fits a world built for people, with a first demo targeted for 2027.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the company will build a humanoid robot and expects a demo in 2027. Altman made the remarks on the Sources podcast, with his comments on the demo timeline reported by Fortune.
According to Altman, the humanoid form factor makes sense because the world is designed for people. He added that robots will not be walking the streets for a few years beyond that demo.
OpenAI has not disclosed what the demo will showcase or what the humanoid will look like. The company has also not announced an actual robot, a consumer price, a subscription model, a release date or a robot-specific privacy framework.
Hiring suggests work is under way. OpenAI's careers page currently lists 27 robotics openings, covering motion control, state estimation, actuator control, whole-robot behavior and machine-learning infrastructure for physical AI. The company is also working on custom electromechanical actuators that include motors, transmissions, sensing and thermal systems.
One job posting describes the short-term objective as general-purpose robots that help skilled workers build infrastructure, with a long-term goal of a personal robot.
Earlier robotics work
OpenAI's Dactyl research project taught a robotic hand to manipulate real objects, with training done entirely in simulation, and the technique was later applied to a Rubik's Cube. Tesla has been working on Optimus for years, and XPENG recently had its IRON humanoid autonomously walk off the production line after being assembled.
Quick answers
When will OpenAI's humanoid robot be shown?
Sam Altman said a demo is expected in 2027. He added that robots will not be walking the streets for a few years beyond that.
Has OpenAI announced a robot, price or release date?
No. OpenAI has not announced an actual robot, a consumer price, a subscription model, a release date or a robot-specific privacy framework.
What robotics jobs is OpenAI hiring for?
OpenAI's careers page lists 27 robotics openings covering motion control, state estimation, actuator control, whole-robot behavior and machine-learning infrastructure for physical AI.