OpenAI Eyes Humanoid Robots, Demo Teased for 2027

OpenAI, best known for developing advanced artificial intelligence models, appears to be preparing for another major expansion - humanoid robots. CEO Sam Altman has confirmed that the company is working on humanoid robotics and has suggested that an early demonstration could arrive as soon as 2027.

Speaking on the Sources podcast, Altman explained why a human-like design could make sense for robots operating in environments built around people. “The world is very much designed for people,” he said. "Matching that form factor seems good." The idea is that robots with a human-like shape could navigate everyday spaces and handle objects such as doors and tools more naturally.

Sam Altman teases 2027 humanoid demo

While OpenAI has not revealed when its robot could become commercially available, Altman has offered a possible timeline for an initial demonstration. "I think we'll have a cool demo in 2027,” he told Fortune.

However, Altman also appears cautious about how quickly humanoid robots could become a common sight. “I don't think there will be robots walking the streets for a few years longer,” he added.

For OpenAI, the bigger challenge may not be the physical appearance of the robot but the artificial intelligence powering it. Altman said the robot's physical design was "less important than really figuring out ... the brain that makes the robot work."

Humanoid robots require a combination of mechanical components, including arms, legs and hands, along with cameras and sensors. AI systems can then use information collected from these sensors to understand their surroundings, plan actions and control movement.

OpenAI reportedly established a humanoid robotics lab last year as it began focusing on AI systems designed for physical machines. The company is also believed to be hiring across several robotics-related fields. Reports indicate that OpenAI currently has 27 robotics vacancies involving areas such as motion control and whole-robot behaviour, as well as manufacturing and supply-chain operations needed for large-scale hardware production.

The company's interest in robotics is not entirely new. Its earlier Dactyl research project trained a robotic hand in simulation to manipulate physical objects, with the technology later used to solve a Rubik's Cube.

OpenAI is entering a rapidly developing market. Tesla has been working on its Optimus humanoid, while Chinese companies including Unitree and Xpeng have also made significant progress. Unitree's humanoid robots have demonstrated impressive sprinting capabilities, while Xpeng recently showed its IRON humanoid walking autonomously off a production line after assembly.

For now, OpenAI's humanoid project remains largely under wraps. The company has yet to reveal the robot's appearance, capabilities or potential launch plans. Alongside robotics, OpenAI is also reportedly preparing new hardware products, including a smart speaker.

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Kahekashan

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Kahekashan is a passionate technophile with a keen eye for cutting-edge gadgets, emerging technologies, and everything in the digital realm. Raised in a Defence family with strong values and a background in literature, she has consistently pursued excellence in every endeavour. Her last full-time assignment involved content writing with the Indian School of Business.

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