SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA / RankWire.AI / – OpenAI is preparing to develop humanoid robots, expanding its artificial intelligence capabilities from digital displays into the tangible environment. CEO Sam Altman announced this initiative on Fortune’s Sources podcast, informing host Alyson Shontell that the company is actively working on such robots. He indicated that a compelling prototype demonstration should be ready by 2027, though widespread deployment in public spaces remains several years away. The final design and specific functions of the robot have not yet been disclosed.
Altman emphasized that the most challenging aspect lies in the robot’s brain rather than its physical form. The AI must interpret real-world stimuli, make decisions, and execute tasks accurately. According to him, the robot’s shape is less critical than the system controlling it. He noted that a humanlike form is advantageous because it aligns with existing infrastructure like doors and keyboards, which are designed for people. Nevertheless, Altman confirmed OpenAI will develop humanoid robots along with other configurations.
To support this effort, OpenAI is recruiting specialists in AI systems and motion control to enhance robot-environment interactions. BigGo Finance identified 27 open robotics positions listed on the company’s careers page, covering areas such as state estimation, actuator control, full-body behavior, and machine learning infrastructure for embodied AI. Job postings also indicate ongoing work on designing mechatronic actuators that integrate motors, transmissions, sensors, and thermal management, as well as manufacturing and supply chain tasks for scaled production.
From construction work to personal assistants
OpenAI aims to create versatile robots capable of a broad spectrum of jobs, with one position hinting at an initial focus on assisting skilled workers in infrastructure development. Looking further ahead, the company envisions personal robots that support individuals at home and in daily activities. Altman expressed that everyone should have a personal robot, but production capacity must come first. These robots will need to understand their surroundings and respond to surprises efficiently and safely.
This venture into robotics marks a return to an area OpenAI explored years ago, when in 2019, its researchers taught a robotic hand to solve a Rubik’s Cube. The team was later disbanded, shifting focus to language models. The startup fund supported humanoid manufacturers like 1X and Figure AI, although OpenAI ended its partnership with Figure in February 2025. The organization has also established a formal process for reporting AI misalignment issues as its systems grow more capable.
Intensifying competition in physical AI development
OpenAI joins an expanding field of companies working on humanoid robots, including Tesla with its Optimus robot, and Figure AI with Figure 03. Chinese automaker XPeng has begun manufacturing its IRON humanoid, while Samsung and BYD are also pursuing similar projects, Ubergizmo reported. Nvidia has expanded its physical AI efforts in partnership with global robotics firms. Altman’s remarks suggest that OpenAI intends to compete primarily by emphasizing the intelligence layer that directs the hardware.